California voters face key housing bond and local races on Nov. 3 ballot

California voters will consider Proposition 1, which would allow the state to borrow $11.25 billion through bonds to build and maintain affordable housing for low- and middle-income residents, according to the Los Angeles Times. The largest portion of the funds, $7.2 billion, would be loans to builders who rent homes to low-income families, including those in Los Angeles County where a family of four earning about $133,000 qualifies as low-income.

An additional $1.25 billion from the bond would be allocated for veteran homeownership loans. Supporters of Prop 1 include Democrats, affordable housing organizations, and various municipal governments, who argue it will help more Californians achieve homeownership. Opponents, primarily Republicans, argue for reducing building regulations instead of increasing taxes.

In Los Angeles, two City Council races in Districts 3 and 9 are on the ballot. District 9 will see a historic change as, for the first time in 63 years, a non-Black politician is expected to represent this South L.A. area. The candidates, both Latin American immigrants, differ on policing, homelessness, and housing policies. District 3 covers southwestern San Fernando Valley communities and includes a major commercial hub with ongoing development plans.

The L.A. County sheriff's race is a rematch between Robert Luna and Alex Villanueva, while the L.A. city attorney race features candidates McKinney and Roy, both important local contests reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Voters will also decide on statewide offices such as attorney general, treasurer, secretary of state, controller, lieutenant governor, and insurance commissioner, with candidates from both major parties competing in these key roles.