How to Vote in Anaheim's Special Election on Measure A

Anaheim's upcoming special election on Measure A, set for October 3, is crucial for deciding the future wages, workload, and safety of hotel and event center workers in the city. Here's a comprehensive guide on how and where to cast your vote:

What's on the Ballot?

Measure A, or the hotel and event center minimum wage initiative, seeks to increase the hourly wage of hotel and event center workers to $25 with a yearly increase of 3% starting in 2026. It also addresses worker retention, safety, and workload concerns.

Why Now?

The need for a special election arose after Anaheim’s City Council recognized the urgency to address the economic and workplace implications raised by Measure A, which had gained substantial support from voters.

Am I Eligible to Vote?

If you're a registered Anaheim voter, you're eligible to vote on Measure A. Although the registration deadline was September 18, latecomers can still register conditionally at the Registrar of Voters in Santa Ana or an Anaheim vote center.

How to Vote

By Mail: If you received a vote-by-mail ballot, make sure it's postmarked by October 3 and received by October 10.
Drop Boxes: Place your completed ballots in one of Anaheim's 12 drop boxes by 8 p.m. on October 3. Key locations include ARTIC, Boysen Park, Chaparral Park, and several others.
In Person: Anaheim offers six vote centers where you can vote in person:
- Open from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3: Downtown Anaheim Youth Center, East Anaheim Community Center, and West Anaheim Youth Center.
- Open from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3: Brookhurst Community Center, Canyon Hills Branch Library, and Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center.

Results

Initial results from mail-in ballots will be released shortly after polls close on October 3. Full results are expected by November 2.

What Does Measure A Encompass?

If passed, Measure A would impose several significant changes:

Minimum Wage: Workers would earn a minimum of $25 per hour, with a yearly increase of 3% starting in 2026.
Worker Safety: Hotels would need to provide safety alarms for workers, with stricter safety measures than Anaheim's current hotel worker safety protections law.
Workload: Hotel housekeepers' workload would be capped based on the size of the hotel unless they receive double pay.
Retention: If a hotel changes ownership, workers would be retained for at least six months.
Event Center Workers: These workers would also be entitled to the $25 minimum wage, with the same annual increase. The measure would affect significant event centers like Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center.

Supporters and Opponents

Supporters, including the Unite Here Local 11 hotel worker union and four housekeepers, argue that the measure would ensure a decent living wage and safe working conditions for tourism workers.

Opponents, including the Anaheim Family YMCA, the Anaheim Police Association, and certain council members, believe the measure could hurt local businesses and result in job losses. Major companies like Walt Disney Co. and Marriott International have financially backed the "No on Measure A" campaign.

Financial Implications

Two fiscal impact reports reveal potential consequences:

Convention Center Impact: Increased wage costs could adversely affect the profitability of the Anaheim Convention Center.
Hotel Revenue: Initially, there may be a rise in city revenue due to higher hotel prices. However, long-term growth might decline due to potential hotel closures and reduced investment in new establishments.

Safety Protections

Anaheim's City Council recently adopted a hotel worker safety protections law. However, if Measure A is approved, its provisions would replace the existing law, offering more robust safety measures for workers.

For the future wellbeing of Anaheim's hotel and event center workers, it's crucial to cast your vote. Make your voice heard by October 3!