November 5, 2024 - Voter Information Guide 21

Important Notice

The sample ballot is for information only. You must vote on the official ballot that will be mailed to you.

• All active registered voters will get a vote-by-mail ballot in the mail
  • Put voted ballot in return envelope provided
  • Date and sign your return envelope
  • Return by mail, at a Vote Center, or an Official Drop Box
  • If returning by mail, envelope must be postmarked on or before November 5, received by November 12
• Requesting a translated copy of the sample ballot

  The sample ballot has been translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese for required precincts. To request a copy, contact the Elections Department no later than seven days before the election:

  • Call: 415-473-6456 or Email: elections@marincounty.org
  • Mail a written request to PO Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913. Must arrive 7 days before Election Day.
• For information about language services offered at Vote Centers

  go to List of Vote Center (opens a new window)

• Accessible ballot

  Any voter may request an accessible ballot to mark at home by emailing (RAVBM in subject line) to votebymail@marincounty.org or by calling 415-473-6456 or toll free 833-644-2061.

• Accessible voting

  A voter with a disability may vote a regular ballot outside a Vote Center. If you are unable to mark your ballot, you may bring up to two individuals to the polls to assist you. These individuals cannot be your employer or union representative.

Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline 800-345-VOTE (8683) - English

Candidate Endorsements by Qualified Political Parties

Political Party Endorsements are published pursuant to California Elections Code Sec. 13302(b). Parties may endorse candidates for voter-nominated offices.

• Republican Party

  Office	Candidates
  U.S. Representative District 2	Chris Coulombe
  State Assembly District 12	Andy Podshadley

• Democratic Party

  Office	Candidates
  U.S. Senate (Full Term)	Adam Schiff
  U.S. Senate (Partial/Unexpired Term)	Adam Schiff
  U.S. Representative District 2	Jared Huffman
  State Assembly District 12	Damon Connolly

• American Independent Party

  Office	Candidates
  State Assembly District 12	Damon Connolly

No other parties submitted endorsements.

Source: State political party central committee notification letters to Registrar of Voters as of August 14, 2024. Parties are listed in order according to the randomized alphabet drawing conducted by Marin County on August 15, 2024.

Submitting a candidate statement is optional, so this guide may not contain statements for all candidates. The statement is printed as submitted, and is printed at the expense of the candidate unless otherwise determined by the governing body.

For information about Presidential Candidates and U.S. Senate Candidates, go to the California Secretary of State's website (opens a new window).

STATEMENT OF CANDIDATES

• STATE OFFICES
  • U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, District 2
    • CHRIS COULOMBE
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: Small Business Owner

        Education and Qualifications: We clearly cannot continue down our present political path. We can and must choose a better future.
        Partisan politics is destroying our environment, our economy, and our children’s future. This is our country; it is time for all of us to stand.
        It is no longer about party lines. It is about addressing our reality and our future as a country instead of seeking partisan gain.
        We need clear-eyed leaders with well-rounded experience and vision ready to address those challenges and stay focused on the big picture… focused on moving America forward.
        I was born and raised in Sonoma County. After earning my Eagle Scout, I enlisted in the military at 18 and returned home as an infantry captain 16-years later. I earned my BA in politics from the University of San Francisco and my MA in Diplomacy from Norwich University.
        With 24-years of military, business, and policy experience to represent our 2nd District, and your help, we can protect the environment, rebuild small businesses and the middle class to better our children’s future.
        This is our home and we must protect it. Together, we can lead that change.
        It is my honor to ask for your vote to serve our country again.
        ChrisToCongress.com (opens a new window)

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Ocupación: Propietario de un negocio pequeño

        Educación y cualificaciones: Está claro que no podemos seguir por el camino político actual. Podemos y debemos elegir un futuro mejor.
        La política partidista está destruyendo nuestro medio ambiente, nuestra economía y el futuro de nuestros hijos. Este es nuestro país; es hora de que nos pongamos de pie.
        Ya no se trata de los partidos. Sino que se trata de aceptar nuestra realidad y nuestro futuro como país, en lugar de buscar que gane un partido u otro.
        Necesitamos líderes lúcidos con experiencia y visión integrales, listos para enfrentarse a esos desafíos y mantenerse enfocados en el panorama general... enfocados en hacer avanzar a los Estados Unidos.
        Nací y me crie en el condado de Sonoma. Después de obtener mi Eagle Scout, me alisté en el ejército a los 18 años y regresé a casa como capitán de infantería 16 años después. Obtuve mi licenciatura en Política en la Universidad de San Francisco y mi maestría en Diplomacia en la Universidad de Norwich.
        Con mis 24 años de experiencia militar, empresarial y política para representar a nuestro 2° distrito, y su ayuda, podemos proteger el medio ambiente, reconstruir las pequeñas empresas y la clase media, y mejorar el futuro de nuestros hijos.
        Esta es nuestra casa, y debemos protegerla. Juntos podemos ser líderes de ese cambio.
        Para mí es un honor pedir su voto para volver a servir a nuestro país.
        ChrisToCongress.com (opens a new window)

    • JARED HUFFMAN
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: U.S. Representative

        Education and Qualifications: I’m getting things done despite political chaos in Washington. By putting people over politics, I’ve delivered results – the $400M Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit, crucial funding for water supply improvements, zero-emission busses and charging infrastructure, public housing improvements, veterans housing, bike and pedestrian pathways, kelp forest restoration and more.
        The prescription drug pricing reform I championed – the first in decades – caps insulin costs for seniors at $35/month and starting next year total drug costs for seniors will never exceed $2,000/year.
        I spearheaded laws to modernize America’s infrastructure – improving roads and bridges, connecting underserved communities with high-speed broadband, modernizing electrical grids, expanding renewable energy and building a national EV charging network.
        We’re finally taking bold action on the climate crisis and I’m leading the charge to do much more.
        I work across the aisle whenever possible, as with my bipartisan initiative that raised IDEA special education funding by $2.5 billion and my rural hospital bill.
        But when democracy, the rule of law, or our fundamental freedoms are threatened, I fight back. That’s why I founded the Stop Project 2025 Task Force - to confront the dangerous authoritarian scheme pushed by Donald Trump and his allies to eliminate checks and balances, impose a nationwide abortion ban, rollback civil rights and end Medicare as we know it. Not on my watch.
        As a senior member of committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure, you can count on me to keep delivering results.
        I would be honored by your vote.

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Ocupación: Departamento Representante

        Educación y cualificaciones: Estoy haciendo mi trabajo a pesar del caos político en Washington. Al poner a las personas por encima de la política, he obtenido resultados: la rehabilitación sísmica del puente Golden Gate por valor de $400 millones, el financiamiento crucial para mejoras en el suministro de agua, autobuses de cero emisiones e infraestructura de recarga, mejoras en viviendas públicas, viviendas para veteranos de guerra, senderos para bicicletas y peatones, restauración de bosques de algas marinas y mucho más.
        La reforma de precios de medicamentos que requieren receta que defendí, la primera en décadas, limita los costos de la insulina para adultos mayores a $35 al mes y, a partir del próximo año, el costo total de medicamentos para los adultos mayores no superarán los $2,000 al año.
        Impulsé leyes para modernizar la infraestructura de los Estados Unidos: mejora de carreteras y puentes, conexión con banda ancha de alta velocidad a comunidades desatendidas, modernización de las redes eléctricas, expansión de las energías renovables y edificación de una red nacional de recarga de vehículos eléctricos.
        Finalmente estamos tomando medidas audaces para combatir la crisis climática y estoy liderando la lucha para hacer mucho más.
        Colaboro con la oposición siempre que puedo, como ocurre con mi iniciativa bipartidista que aumentó los fondos de educación especial de IDEA en $2.5 mil millones y mi proyecto de ley para hospitales rurales.
        Sin embargo, cuando la democracia, la ley y nuestras libertades fundamentales se ven amenazadas, doy pelea. Es por ello que fundé el grupo de trabajo destinado a detener el Proyecto 2025, para hacer frente al peligroso plan autoritario impulsado por Donald Trump y sus aliados, que busca eliminar los controles y balances, imponer una prohibición al aborto en toda la nación, reducir los derechos civiles y poner fin a Medicare tal como lo conocemos. Esto no sucederá mientras yo esté a cargo.
        En mi calidad de miembro principal de los comités de Recursos Naturales y de Transporte e Infraestructura, prometo seguir obteniendo resultados.
        Para mí será un honor contar con su voto.

  • CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY, District 12
    • DAMON CONNOLLY
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: California State Assemblymember

        Education and Qualifications: It is my privilege to serve as your State Assemblymember, ensuring that an experienced local voice represents Marin and Sonoma counties in Sacramento.
        Endorsed by the Sierra Club, California Professional Firefighters, California Teachers Association, local Labor Unions, and Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, I’m a principled progressive and consensus builder who gets things done.
        In just one term in office, I’ve delivered real results, successfully getting five bills signed into law that will keep body armor out of the hands of mass shooters, ensure addictive tobacco products are not sold to teenagers, protect renters living in mobile home parks, reduce teen suicides, and cap the fees charged for residential solar projects. I also continue to build support for legislation to prevent toxic pesticide spraying along our highways.
        On top of these legislative wins, I also secured $5 million in state funding for projects throughout the North Bay for parks, firefighting equipment, affordable housing, and science education.
        I have been fighting for our communities for 18 years, including service as a Marin County Supervisor, Vice-Mayor of San Rafael, School Board President, California Deputy Attorney General and now, as your State Assemblymember and local voice in Sacramento.
        My values are North Bay values, forged by living here for more than 25 years. As your State Assemblymember, I will continue to fight for our priorities in Sacramento: wildfire prevention and home insurance, clean energy, environmental protection, protecting women’s healthcare, equal rights, and more.
        I hope to earn your vote to continue this important work together.
        https://www.damonconnolly.com (opens a new window)

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Ocupación: Asambleísta del Estado de California

        Educación y cualificaciones: Es un privilegio para mí servir como asambleísta estatal, asegurando que una voz local experimentada represente a los condados de Marin y Sonoma en Sacramento.
        Respaldado por el Sierra Club, los Bomberos Profesionales de California, la Asociación de Maestros de California, los sindicatos locales y el Fondo de Acción del Norte de California de Planificación Familiar, soy un progresista de principios y un creador de consenso que sabe obtener resultados.
        En apenas un mandato, he logrado resultados reales: logré que se promulguen cinco proyectos de ley que mantendrán los chalecos antibalas fuera del alcance de los tiradores en masa, que se garantice que no se vendan productos de tabaco adictivos a los adolescentes, que se proteja a los inquilinos que viven en parques de casas móviles, que se reduzcan los suicidios de adolescentes y que se limiten los cargos que se cobran por proyectos solares residenciales. Además, sigo ganando apoyo para que se implementen leyes que eviten que se rocíen pesticidas tóxicos en los márgenes de nuestras autopistas.
        Además de estas victorias legislativas, también obtuve $5 millones en fondos estatales destinados a proyectos en todo el Norte de la Bahía para parques, equipos contra incendios, viviendas de precio accesible y educación en ciencias.
        Llevo 18 años luchando por nuestras comunidades, incluido el servicio como supervisor del Condado de Marin, Vicealcalde de San Rafael, Presidente de la Junta Escolar, Fiscal General adjunto de California y ahora, como su Asambleísta Estatal y voz local en Sacramento.
        Mis valores son los valores del Norte de la Bahía, forjados en los más de 25 años que llevo viviendo en ese lugar. Como su Asambleísta Estatal, continuaré luchando por nuestras prioridades en Sacramento: prevención de incendios forestales y seguros para el hogar, energía limpia, protección ambiental, protección de la atención médica de las mujeres, igualdad de derechos y más.
        Espero ganar su voto para seguir trabajando juntos.
        https://www.damonconnolly.com (abre una nueva ventana)

    CAMPAIGN FINANCE PLEDGE
    The following candidates for California State Assembly District 12 have pledged to abide by campaign spending limits as specified in California Government Code Sec. 85400 and may publish a 250-word statement of qualifications in this voter guide. Candidates are listed in order according to the randomized alphabet drawing conducted by Marin County on August 15, 2024.

    • ANDREW PODSHADLEY
    • DAMON CONNOLLY
• SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES
  • Marin Community College District, Governing Board Member - Trustee Area 2
    • CRYSTAL MARTINEZ
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: Appointed Trustee

        Education and Qualifications: It has been an honor to serve as a Trustee on the Marin Community College District Board. Since my appointment in July 2023, I’ve prioritized student needs in every decision. As a former community college student, I know firsthand how education shapes futures and enables individuals to balance family, work, and learning. This drives my commitment to enhancing access to quality education, offering market-relevant courses, and removing barriers to student success.
        For over two decades, I’ve proudly called San Rafael home. As a mother and public servant, I am deeply invested in our community’s well-being and future. My extensive community engagement and advocacy work—including having served on the Marin Women’s Commission, board of Marin Court Appointed Special Advocates, and as a volunteer with Jr. Giants—provided me with valuable insights into the diverse needs of our County. These experiences honed my skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and navigating government systems to achieve positive outcomes.
        I am committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and that Marin County continues to be a place where learning flourishes and paves the way for future success. Together, we can build on nearly a century of College of Marin’s legacy, solidifying its place as the top community college in California.
        Thank you,
        Crystal Martinez CrystalforCOM.com (opens a new window)

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Ocupación: Fideicomisaria designada

        Educación y cualificaciones: Ha sido un honor servir como fideicomisaria en la Junta Directiva del Distrito de Marin Community College. Desde mi nombramiento en julio de 2023, he dado prioridad a las necesidades de los estudiantes en cada decisión. Como exalumna de un instituto universitario comunitario, conozco de primera mano la forma en que la educación moldea el futuro y permite a las personas encontrar el equilibrio entre familia, trabajo y aprendizaje. Esto impulsa mi compromiso de mejorar el acceso a una educación de calidad, ofrecer cursos relevantes para el mercado y eliminar los obstáculos para el éxito de los estudiantes.
        Con orgullo puedo decir que hace más de dos décadas que San Rafael es mi hogar. Como madre y servidora pública, estoy profundamente comprometida con el bienestar y el futuro de nuestra comunidad. Mi extenso trabajo de participación y defensoría en la comunidad, que incluye haber trabajado en la Comisión de Mujeres de Marin, la junta de Defensores Especiales Designados por el Tribunal de Marin y como voluntaria en Jr. Giants, me proporcionó información valiosa sobre las diversas necesidades de nuestro condado. Estas experiencias perfeccionaron mis habilidades de colaboración, resolución de problemas y navegación en los sistemas gubernamentales para lograr resultados positivos.
        Me comprometo a garantizar que cada estudiante tenga la oportunidad de alcanzar el éxito y que el condado de Marin siga siendo un lugar donde el aprendizaje florezca y allane el camino para el éxito futuro. Juntos, podemos aprovechar casi un siglo de legado del College of Marin, consolidando su lugar como el mejor instituto universitario comunitario de California.
        Gracias,
        Crystal Martinez CrystalforCOM.com (abre una nueva ventana)

    • MILA SCHECHTER
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: Retired Environmentalist Fellow

        Education and Qualifications:I was born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, earned M.Sc in Physical Chemistry at Rostov University.
        I had been lecturing General & Physical Chemistry in Russia’s Far East Polytechnic Institute, I am familiar with supporting students in achieving their educational goals.
        I dedicated my career to water pollution environmental studies. Upon graduation I worked in Rostov University and Azov Sea Research Institute (Rostov-on-Don, Russia).
        In 1990 we moved to Israel where I continued to work in Water Resources Research Center at Ben-Gurion University’s Institute for Desert Research, Israel, in numerous hydrochemistry and desertification projects. In 2006 I moved to California, in San Rafael since 2007.
        I have passion for teaching and run public classes as educator at Jewish Family & Children Services in San Francisco and a community advocate at Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto.
        I believe my experience would be useful in overseeing and managing the Marin Community College’s affairs.
        As a trustee I could design and implement efforts in a supportive, innovative learning environment that promotes social, racial, and environmental justice.
        I’m now running for Marin Community College District, Trustee Area 2, and would be honored to receive your vote and support.

For information about the State Propositions, go to the California Secretary of State's website (opens a new window) .

There are no Local Measures on your ballot.

Vote by Mail

Ballots mailed starting October 7

All active registered voters will get a ballot in the mail. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

• Ballot Packet

  Packet includes this guide, ballot, instructions and postage-paid return envelope.

  Date and sign your return envelope.

• Return Ballot
  1. Into a Drop Box - List of Drop Box Locations (opens a new window)
  2. At a Vote Center - List of Vote Center Locations (opens a new window)
  3. Mail your ballot - must be postmarked on or before November 5 and received by November 12

Common Questions

• How do I update my registration?

  Online at registertovote.ca.gov (opens a new window) OR by paper registration form, postmarked no later than October 21, 2024.

• Will the post office forward my ballot?

  No. Forwarding a ballot is not allowed.

• I will be out of town. How can I vote?

  Call and give us your temporary mailing address. We will mail the ballot one time to that address. Call 415-473-6456.

• Can someone else pick up a ballot for me?

  Yes, use our Application to Provide Vote By Mail Ballot to Representative form (opens a new window). If you have questions, call 415-473-6456.

• What if I lose my ballot or make a mistake?

  You may go to any Vote Center and receive a replacement ballot. If you make a mistake, call the Elections Department at 415-473-6456.

• What if I forgot to sign my envelope?

  Only you (not someone else) must sign your envelope for your ballot to be counted. If your signature is missing OR does not compare with your voter registration, you will get a letter telling you how to correct the problem.

• How do I return my vote-by-mail ballot?

  Mail it in your signed envelope, postmarked on or before Election Day, November 5. A voter can ensure that a postmark is applied to their return ballot envelope by vising a Postal Service retail office and requesting a postmark from a retail associate.
  OR hand deliver to any Vote Center or Official Ballot Drop Box. See our List of Vote Center locations (opens a new window) and List of Drop Box Locations (opens a new window) for days and hours of operation.

• How do I know you received my ballot?

  Sign up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov (opens a new window), check the Voter Status page on the Secretary of State’s website voterstatus.sos.ca.gov (opens a new window), OR call the Elections Department at 415-473-6456. Also: Informed delivery is a great tool – it’s free! Sign up online: USPS.com (opens a new window)

In-Person Voting

Vote at a Vote Center if you need a replacement ballot, did not register by October 21 deadline, prefer to vote in person, or on an accessible ballot marking device. Voting is accessible at all locations.

AVOID LINES - Vote early or vote by mail

• You may vote at any location, Drop Boxes at all locations
• November 5, 2024, all 21 Vote Centers open 7 am to 8 pm
• See our List of Vote Centers (opens a new window) for most recent Vote Center information, including hours of operation

Military/Over-Seas Voters

Ballots go out September 18

• Receiving your ballot by mail
  • Ballot packet includes a Voter Guide, Ballot, Oath of Voter Form, Return Instructions and Postage-paid Return Envelope.
  • You can return your ballot by:
    • Faxed - on or before November 5 by 8 pm.
      • You MUST complete and return the Oath of Voter Form with your ballot.
    • Mailed - postmarked on or before November 5 and received by November 12.
      • You MUST date and sign the outside of your return envelope.
• Receiving your ballot by email
  • You will receive an email from info@uocava.com with a link, access code, and instruction to access your ballot.
  • Ballot packet includes your Marked Ballot (must print), Oath of Voter Form, Return Instructions, and Postage-paid Return Envelope Image.
  • You can return your ballot by:
    • Faxed - on or before November 5 by 8 pm.
      • You MUST complete and return the Oath of Voter Form with your ballot.
    • Mailed - postmarked on or before November 5 and received by November 12.
      • You MUST date, print your name, and sign the outside of your return envelope.

Official Ballot Drop Box Locations

Open October 8 to November 5 until 8:00 p.m.

Drop Boxes close precisely at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day as required by law

Exterior sites available for 24 hour drop off, see our List of Drop Box Locations (opens a new window).

Each Vote Center will have a Vote by Mail Drop Box. See our List of Vote Centers Locations (opens a new window) for days and hours of operation.

Access or Language Needs

• Where can I vote in person?

  Vote at any of the 21 Vote Centers in Marin County. See our List of Vote Center locations (opens a new window) for days and hours of operation.

• Is my nearest Vote Center accessible?

  All Vote Centers are accessible or have been mitigated to meet accessibility requirements. See our List of Vote Center locations (opens a new window) or call us 415-473-6456 for details.

• Sign language interpreter.

  Schedule an appointment at the Elections Office, call at least 1 week in advance.
  TTY 415-473-6899 or CA Relay Service 711

• Need support at Vote Center?

  Each Vote Center has:

  • Each Vote Center has accessible marking devices to help you mark your ballot independently and privately. A sip/puff device can be provided by calling in advance.
  • A wheelchair-accessible voting booth, magnifiers, pens with easy to hold grips and signature guides are available.
  • Curbside voting A voter with a disability may vote a regular ballot outside a Vote Center. Call when you are outside. An election worker will bring you a ballot and then put your voted ballot into the ballot box.
• Where is an accessible voting machine?

  An accessible ballot marking device is at each Vote Center. See our List of Vote Center locations (opens a new window) for days and hours of operation.

• What if I do not speak English well?

  The Vote Center worker will:

  • Point out instructions in voting booth.
  • Demonstrate how to mark the ballot.

  Translated sample ballots for required precincts are posted at Vote Centers. Some Vote Centers have a bilingual worker; tell us if you need bilingual service.

• Can I get a ride to a Vote Center?

  Marin Access (opens a new window) 415-454-0902 provides services for older adults, persons with disabilities and low-income residents. You may need to register. Call immediately to find out how they can help you. For more information, see our Transportation Assistance (opens a new window) page on our website.

• Alternative formats upon request.

  Large print of some ballot materials may be available and a CD may be available for local measure information. Call 415-473-6456 (voice), 415-473-6899 (TTY), toll free 833-644-2061, or email elections@marincounty.org.

• Voting by mail?

  All active registered voters will be mailed a ballot. Ballots will be mailed starting October 7. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

Disability Rights California operates a Statewide Voting Hotline 7AM to 8PM on Election Day, November 5, 2024 and answers calls prior to and following the election. 1-888-569-7955