Dear,

In 2008, a majority of Californians voted in favor of Proposition 8, outlawing same-sex marriage -- despite widespread support for marriage equality in the state.(1)

How did that happen? Anti-marriage equality groups flooded the state with millions of dollars to spread misinformation on Prop 8, convincing the majority to vote for it.

Now it's happening again, with Big Money attacking ballot initiatives intended to pay fair wages to gig workers, ensure that schools get the money they need, and more.

That's why the Courage California Voter Guide is a critical tool for the upcoming election. Our Guide not only breaks down the language of the propositions, but it also gives voters the context of who is funding campaigns for or against the initiatives and clears up misinformation that is spreading on social media.

We need the Courage California Voter Guide to reach millions of voters in California before the election. Will you donate $5 to help voters be informed up and down the ballot?

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

Here are is a snapshot of a few of the recommendations we are making for propositions in November in our Voter Guide:(2)

Vote YES on Prop 15
California schools continue to be underfunded, with communities of color affected the most. Proposition 15 will restore an estimated $11.5 billion annually to schools and communities by closing property tax loopholes benefiting wealthy corporations, without raising taxes on small businesses, renters, and homeowners. Realtor lobbyists are spending major funds to defeat Prop 15.

Vote YES on Prop 16
California is one of just eight states that doesn't take race, gender, or ethnicity into account when considering college admissions or hiring in government positions. The state has lost $820 million in contracts with minority- and women-owned businesses, and racism proliferates the admissions processes. Proposition 16 would bring affirmative action back to California, but an anti-equity group is fighting it.

Vote YES on Prop 17
After a person serves their sentence, they should be allowed to reenter democratic society, including reclaiming the right to vote. Black and brown people are disproprotionately incarcerated and, thus are disenfranchised at an alarming rate, and it's time we end that discrimination. Proposition 17 restores voting rights to those on parole.

Vote YES on Prop 18
Voting is habit-forming! That's why 19 states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the general election. This allows for voter education and registration programs in schools and encourages future voting. Proposition 18 would implement the same rule here.

Vote NO on Prop 22
Workers for apps like Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash are not protected by minimum wage, overtime, or workers' compensation laws. These essential workers are entitled to labor protections, just like other employees, but Proposition 22 classifies these workers as contractors so corporations can avoid investing in their workers and pad their own bottom lines. That’s why Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash are spending millions to pass Proposition 22.

The Courage California Voter Guide also provides readers with a customized ballot that includes our recommendations for which candidates will fight for economic, social, and environmental justice.

In March, more than 123,000 people used our Voter Guide, and we need to ramp way up for November. We're running Google ads, designing mailers, and more to get the Courage California Voter Guide in front of as many eyes as possible.

Will you donate $5 to help fund advertising for the Courage California Voter Guide?

Yours in the fight for our democracy,

Caitlin, along with Angela, Annie, Brian, Deepthi, Gabby, Irene, Jay, Lindsay, Molly, Raquel, and Scottie (the Courage team)

Footnotes:
1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2013/03/26/how-proposition-8-passed-in-california-and-why-it-wouldnt-today/
2. https://progressivevotersguide.com/california