Voting is not just a right; it’s a crucial part of East Palo Alto’s legacy. At the EPA Community Archive, we’re committed to continuing the tradition of voter education and engagement. We recognize the immense value of every single vote and urge you to harness that power in the upcoming election on November 5, 2024.

We are only two weeks away from election day, November 5, 2024. Early voting has begun in many communities around the country. Here in San Mateo County, we received our absentee ballots along with the voter information pamphlet. Early voting started October 7. You can return your ballot to one of the ballot drop-off locations beginning October 8 until election day – November 5, 2024.

 In addition to focusing on the Presidential election – which is very important, we have local candidates seeking election to the East Palo Alto City Council, San Mateo Supervisor for District #4, Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees for Area E, and a few tax measures, one for the City of East Palo Alto, and one for the Ravenswood City School District.

For the city council, we have a chance to fill three of the five council seats. This means we have the opportunity to create a new majority on the council. There are nine candidates seeking office. Each brings the skills and strengths we need on the council. Take some time to check each candidate out. Look at their platform, what are their priorities, what do they have in mind for the future of the community? You can learn more by reading the Voter Information Pamphlet or by visiting social media pages.

East Palo Alto City Council candidates are:

Carlos Romero
Webster Lincoln
Deborah Lewis-Virges
Mark Dinan
Dennis Scherzer
Ofelia Bello
Gail Wilkerson
Ravelle Chaudray
Maria Rocha

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors:
San Mateo County District 4 – East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Menlo Park

Lisa Gauthier
Antonio Lopez

Sequoia High School District Board of Trustees:
Sequoia Union High School District E: East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven

Tonga Victoria Afunhaamango
Jon Bryant
Maria E Cruz

Measures on the ballot:

Measure JJ – City of East Palo Alto

Should East Palo Alto impose a 2.5% gross receipts tax on certain rental properties to fund rental assistance, prevent displacement and homelessness, and cover administrative costs?

Measure S – Ravenswood City School District

Should the Ravenswood City School District impose a parcel tax of $434 per parcel to fund preschool and early childhood education programs?

Be sure to vote!

Become an educated voter, and don’t take any election as a “popularity contest”. Look for information and make an informed decision on who you will give your power to! Know who you should support by considering if they will work for you. 

 The power of your vote = responsibility for the future.