For us to make improvements for renters this year, we need representatives who understand tenants and are willing to stand up for us. It is an important election year, and the primaries Tuesday, June 7 will greatly shape our ability to make changes in San Diego. The primaries will determine our choices for the November general election, or in some cases may decide the race outright. Especially in local primary elections, every vote does count! How to Vote: 1) Make sure you are registered. You can check http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Voters.asp. If you are not registered, it’s too late for June 7, but do so as soon as possible so you can vote in November. (http://www.sdvote.com/content/rov/en/Registration.html) 2) On Tuesday, June 7, vote in-person at your polling location (find at http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Polling.asp) from 7 am - 8 pm. 3) Or, vote any day between now and the end of Tuesday, 8 am - 5 pm, by visiting the Registrar of Voters at 5600 Overland Ave (in Kearny Mesa at intersection of i-15, 52, & 163) 4) Or, if you had registered for a mail ballot, mail in. (details: http://www.sdvote.com/content/rov/en/VoteByMail.html) San Diego Tenants United VOTING GUIDE Note: Many of the candidates have not yet taken clear positions on rent control or tenant issues, although most acknowledge the San Diego housing crisis. In general, Democratic candidates will be more friendly to our cause than Republicans. Therefore, when in doubt, vote Democrat, especially for more Progressive candidates. Below are the candidates that we recommend choosing among. San Diego Mayor: Ed Harris or Lori Saldana Both are Progressives that would be an improvement over the current Republican mayor. Ed has been endorsed by Save San Diego Neighborhoods (which are fighting to crack down on short term vacation rentals that hurt the supply for long-term renters) and Lori advocates for more affordable housing. San Diego City Council District 1 (La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, etc.) Barbara Bry Although she currently does not support rent control, she understands the housing crisis and is looking to make progress (with us) on housing issues. Barbara is endorsed by Save San Diego Neighborhoods. It is critical that Democrats win this race, as it will likely decide which party leads the Council, and Barbara is the leading Democrat. District 3 (Balboa Park, North Park, Hillcrest, University Heights, Downtown, etc.) Chris Ward Ward is a progressive endorsed by San Diego Free Press District 7 (Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, etc.) Jose Caballero He has pledged to us that he will support rent control. District 9 (City Heights, Kensington, Rolando, Mountain View, etc.) Sarah Saez or Georgette Gomez Both support rent control, although only Sarah has it in her official platform. San Diego City Attorney Brian Pease, Mara Elliott, Gil Cabrera, or Rafael Castellanos Brian has pledged to us that he will support rent control. Mara is endorsed by Save San Diego Neighborhoods, and Gil is endorsed by the progressive San Diego Free Press.