LW Democratic Club

by Mary Larson

LW contributor

In an effort to be of assistance to Leisure World residents, the Democratic Club continues to reach out to potential voters about the importance of the March Primary Election.

In the 2010 Primary Election, California voters approved Proposition 14 (the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act). That act was initiated by the governor at the time, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. It required that the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the Primary Election would appear on the subsequent General Election ballot regardless of party preference.

The Top Two Primary applies to most of the offices that were previously known as “partisan” and are now known as “voter-nominated” offices. In California, these offices include:

• United States Senators and Congressional Representatives

• State Senators and Assembly members

• Governor and Lt. Governor

• State Treasurer, Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Top Two Primary rule does not apply to county or local offices. In these races, any candidate who receives 50% plus 1 vote in the Primary is immediately elected to the position. A primary example is the current race for election to the Orange County Board of Supervisors from the district that includes Leisure World.

Cyprus City Council Member Frances Marquez is the Democratic Party endorsed candidate for election to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in LW’s District 1. Her name will appear on all LW ballots. Two Republicans, former Assembly member Van Tran and Westminster Councilmember Kimberly Ho, are also running in the race and will be on every LW ballot. Additional candidates may file before the December deadline.

If any one of the candidates gets 50% + 1 of the vote in the Primary, they are elected and do not have to run again in the November General election.

The Democratic Club also continues to expand its Neighbor to Neighbor program. Mutual coordinators and volunteers will gather in November for updates on both candidates and issues that will be on the March 5 ballot. Those interested in participating in the program should email kmoran97@yahoo.com.

The club’s next voter education session will be on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in Clubhouse 3, Room 3, at 1 p.m. Theresa Danton will help participants know how to do research about the 36 judicial candidates that will be on the ballot. To register, email Beverleybender@gmail.com.

The Seal Beach Leisure World Democratic Club believes health care is a right, diversity is a strength, the economy should work for everyone, and that facts and truth matter. Everything appearing in these weekly press releases and our semi-monthly newsletters has been fact checked to the fullest extent possible.

All Leisure World Democrats and supporters are invited to subscribe to the club’s electronic newsletter by emailing mlarson.telfords@gmail.com or calling 562-296-8521. It is important to include full contact information, including party registration, in the request.