As the upcoming election nears, it's important to stress not only the significance of voting but also how the decisions we make at the ballot box directly affect our campus and community. Voting is a key way to shape the policies and leadership that impact our lives, and students, faculty, and staff must stay informed.
Early voting begins today, October 7, 2024, in California offering a convenient way for residents to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Early voting helps reduce long lines at polling stations, ensures voters have more flexible schedules, and allows time to address any unexpected challenges that may arise before Election Day. You can still register to vote on Election Day, but let’s be real—why wait until the last minute when early voting is a more stress-free way to make sure your voice is heard? You can still feel like a hero without the last-minute scramble.
Glendale Community College Library offers a helpful election guide that breaks down candidates, ballot measures, and key local and state issues. Additionally, on Thursday, October 10th, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, in Buena Vista 101, the Humanities and Social Science Lecture Series will discuss, California Ballot Measures: What You Need to Know. With voters deciding on 11 propositions—from expanding rent control to retaining the gas tax—this event provides a valuable opportunity to understand the issues more deeply. LAist will host a Ballot Cram session on October 15th with KPCC’s Larry Mantle, offering another great resource for voters.
This election also presents an opportunity to elect candidates who will support policies that benefit our campus. There are three statewide seats that will be crucial in securing funding and support for education, helping to improve student services and faculty resources for Glendale Community College. Remember to review candidates for State Senate District 25 and both Assembly Seats for District 44 and District 52. Community college leadership works with state representatives to advocate for funding and policies that support students, staff, and faculty. Groups like the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) play a key role by tracking legislation and ensuring our voices are heard in Sacramento. FACCC’s efforts, including testifying at hearings and meeting with legislators, help keep higher education a priority. This is why it’s important to research statewide candidates and their positions on community college funding and allocation of resources. You can also check to see which groups have endorsed specfiic candidates.
A key local issue on the ballot is the Glendale Community College (GCC) bond initiative. The Los Angeles County Measure GCC is on the ballot as a referral in Los Angeles County on November 5, 2024. A “yes” vote supports authorizing the Glendale Community College District to issue $600,000,000 in bonds with bond revenue going to fund school improvements and requiring an estimated property tax levy of $25 per $100,000 in assessed value. A 55% majority vote is required for the ballot measure to be passed. By supporting a bond measure, community members are investing in the future of education in their area, helping create better learning environments for students. When considering a local bond, voters should weigh the long-term benefits of improved campus facilities against the potential increase in local property taxes to repay the bond. For more information about the bond on the ballot this November for Glendale voters visit, YesonGCC.org.
A local bond for higher education is a type of funding approved by voters to raise money for improvements and infrastructure at community colleges or universities. These bonds are typically used for building new facilities, renovating older structures, upgrading technology, or making the campus more environmentally sustainable. It’s important to look at how the funds will be allocated, whether they align with the needs of students and faculty, and whether the institution has a track record of using bond money responsibly. More information about the local bond can be found on yesongcc.org. For more information about how bonds for schools and colleges are managed, visit “How California School and College Districts Acquire and Manage Debt.”
With the election around the corner, we’re energized and ready to make a real impact in getting out the vote. For more information about the Glendale College Guild’s efforts, follow us on Instagram (@gccguild) or get involved in efforts by signing up for more opportunities to connect the guild's work off campus.
No matter how you vote, remember your vote is critical to ensuring that students continue to have access to affordable education and job training for generations to come. Make your voice heard!
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