March 5, 2024 - Voter Information Guide 016

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. Representative District 2	Jared Huffman
  State Assembly District 12	Damon Connolly

• Libertarian Party

  Office	Candidates
  U.S. Senate	Gail Lightfoot

• American Independent Party

  Office	Candidates
  U.S. Senate	James Bradley
  U.S. Representative District 2	Tief Gibbs
  State Assembly District 12	Eryn Cervantes

No other parties submitted endorsements.

Source: State political party central committee notification letters to Registrar of Voters as of December 13, 2023. Parties are listed in order according to the randomized alphabet drawing conducted by Marin County on December 14, 2023.

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.

STATEMENT OF CANDIDATES

• STATE OFFICES
  • U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, District 2
    • TIEF GIBBS
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: Small Businesswoman

        Education and Qualifications: I am a results-driven, America-First wife and businesswoman in Novato and mother of two grown children. I want to restore California so that our children can look forward to a bright future instead of planning their exit. I am running to restore California.
        I want to make California a state that companies want to do business in not flee from. Crime and homelessness are growing problems that effect our daily lives. We need to let cops and courts do their job. I want to stop warehousing homeless in tents and get them out of our parks and public spaces and instead get them reintegrated into society with compassionate solutions.
        Armed with my background in economics, I will seek prudent spending and balanced budgets. Environmental decisions must be based on sound science, not fear. The U.S. has a moral responsibility to properly manage our environment. We should take a free-market approach and be careful not to simply throw money at “green” policies that don’t work and could bankrupt us.
        We need to secure our southern border, stop the flow of fentanyl, rebuild our infrastructure, which includes water and power, and crack down on crime. I favor limiting the scope of government to emphasize personal responsibility. I want to live in a society of traditional family values and religious freedom. I support the right to bear arms. I represent the change that California needs. Together, we can restore California. I ask you to vote for Tief Gibbs.
        www.tief4congress.com

    • JARED HUFFMAN
      • Candidate statement in English

        Occupation: U.S. Representative

        Education and Qualifications: I’m getting things done despite MAGA chaos in Congress these past two years. 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.
        I helped pass the first prescription drug pricing reform in decades, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug price discounts, capping insulin costs for seniors at $35/month, and starting next year, capping seniors’ drug costs at $2,000/year.
        I spearheaded laws to modernize America’s infrastructure – improving roads and bridges, connecting underserved communities with high-speed broadband, modernizing the electrical grid, 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 and the rule of law are threatened, I fight back. MAGA members of Congress were complicit in Donald Trump’s shameful January 6th insurrection and continue to push a dark authoritarian agenda. I am determined to defeat these threats.
        I’ll continue opposing partisan attempts to restrict abortion rights, rescind civil rights, and slash Social Security and Medicare.
        As a senior member of committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure, I promise to keep delivering results.
        I would be honored by your vote.

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Ocupación: Representante de los EE.UU.

        Educación y cualificaciones: Estoy logrando hacer las cosas pese al caos causado por los Republicanos de MAGA en el Congreso estos dos últimos años. 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.
        Ayudé a aprobar la primera reforma de precios de medicamentos que requieren receta en décadas, permitiendo a Medicare negociar descuentos en los precios de los medicamentos, limitando los costos de la insulina para los adultos mayores a $35 al mes y, a partir del próximo año, limitando los costos de los medicamentos para los adultos mayores a $2,000 al año.
        Impulsé leyes para modernizar la infraestructura de los Estados Unidos: mejora de carreteras y puentes, conexión de comunidades desatendidas con banda ancha de alta velocidad, modernización de la red eléctrica, expansión de las energías renovables y construcción de una red nacional de recarga de vehículos eléctricos.
        Finalmente estamos tomando medidas audaces para combatir la crisis climática y yo 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 ley para hospitales rurales.
        Sin embargo, cuando la democracia y la ley se ven amenazadas, doy pelea. Los miembros del Congreso de MAGA fueron cómplices de la vergonzosa insurrección del 6 de enero de Donald Trump y continúan promoviendo una oscura agenda autoritaria. Estoy decidido a eliminar estas amenazas.
        Seguiré oponiéndome a los intentos partidistas del GOP para restringir el derecho al aborto, rescindir los derechos civiles y recortar drásticamente Social Security y Medicare.
        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.

    • CHRIS COULOMBE
      • Candidate statement in English

        Age: 42

        Occupation: Small Business Owner

        Education and Qualifications: 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 received my Bachelor’s in Politics from the University of San Francisco and Master’s in Diplomacy from Norwich University.
        With 22-years of military, business, and government policy experience to represent our 2nd District, with your help, we can protect not only the environment but small businesses and therefore improve our children’s future.
        We clearly cannot continue down our current political path. We can and must choose a better future.
        It is no longer about party lines. It is about addressing our reality and our future as a country instead of seeking partisan gain. It is about protecting our access to water and food.
        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.
        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.
        Together, we can lead that change.
        I ask for your vote to serve our country once again.
        ChrisToCongress.com

      • Declaración de candidatos en español

        Edad: 42

        Ocupación: Propietario de un negocio pequeño

        Educación y cualificaciones: Nacido y criado en el Condado de Sonoma, después de obtener mi clasificación de Eagle Scout, me alisté en el ejército a los 18 años y regresé a casa como capitán de infantería 16 años más tarde. Obtuve mi licenciatura en Política en la Universidad de San Francisco y mi maestría en Diplomacia en la Universidad de Norwich.
        Con mis 22 años de experiencia militar, empresarial y gubernamental para representar a nuestro 2° Distrito, y su ayuda, podemos proteger no sólo el medio ambiente, sino también los negocios pequeños y, por lo tanto, mejorar el futuro de nuestros hijos.
        Está claro que no podemos continuar por el camino político actual. Podemos y debemos elegir un futuro mejor.
        Ya no se trata de lealtad a un partido. Sino que se trata de aceptar nuestra realidad y nuestro futuro como país, en lugar de buscar que gane un partido u otro. Se trata de proteger nuestro acceso a agua y alimentos.
        La política partidista está destruyendo nuestro medio ambiente, nuestra economía y el futuro de nuestros hijos. Este es nuestro país; es hora de poner manos a la obra.
        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.
        Juntos podemos ser líderes de ese cambio.
        Le pido que me dé su voto para a servir a nuestro país una vez más.
        ChrisToCongress.com

  • 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

      • 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

    • ERYN CERVANTES
      • Candidate statement in English

        Age: 46

        Occupation: San Quentin Correctional Counselor II – Specialist

        Education and Qualifications: My name is Eryn Cervantes, and I am running for California State Assembly in District 12. I have worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for almost 25 years, and am currently a Correctional Counselor II - Specialist, at San Quentin State Prison. I’m also a recent law school graduate and lifelong advocate for public safety. I understand the challenges presented by brazen retail theft, property crimes, a growing homeless crisis, and the impact crime has on a community. The current approach falls short of extending much-needed support to our local law enforcement agencies, fostering an environment ripe for the escalation of crime.
        The time has come for us to make public safety a priority. My career path has equipped me with unique insight into the important roles within the criminal justice system, as well as the importance of accountability. Additionally, as a family member of double-homicide victims, I have a deep appreciation for the paths traveled by victims of crime.
        I am the candidate who understands about the need to strike a careful balance when approaching these aspects of criminal justice and public safety. Between the vast knowledge gained throughout my career and life experiences and my educational background in criminal justice and law, I possess the unique insight necessary to approach the current criminal justice and public safety challenges with meaningful, long-lasting solutions.
        I am committed to ensure local law enforcement are equipped with the resources and funding necessary to provide the protection and services our community so rightly deserves.

    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 December 14, 2023.

    • Damon Connolly, DEM
    • Eryn Cervantes, REP
    • Andy Podshadley, REP

There are no local measures on your ballot for this election.

In-Person Voting

Vote at a Vote Center if you need a replacement ballot, did not register by February 20 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,
• See our List of Vote Centers for most recent Vote Center information, including hours of operation
• Official Ballot Drop Boxes also at all Voter Center locations
• Election Day March 5, all 21 Vote Centers open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Official Ballot Drop Box Locations

Open February 6 to March 5 until 8:00 p.m.

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

Exterior sites available for 24 hour drop off. Interior sites available during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. See our List of Drop Box Locations for days and hours of operation.

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

Important Notice

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

• 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 March 5, received by March 12.
• Requesting a translated copy of the sample ballot

  The sample ballot has been translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese. 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 seven days before Election Day.
• For information about language services offered at Vote Centers

  See our List of Vote Center locations

• 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.

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 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 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:

  • An 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 are available.
  • Curbside voting
    if you cannot physically get inside the 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 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 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 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 February 5. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

• Disability Rights California operates a Statewide Voting Hotline

  1-888-569-7955

  Calls answered prior to and following the election. Schedule on Election Day, March 5, 2024, 7 am to 8 pm.

Common Questions

• When will my ballot arrive in the mail?

  Ballots will be mailed beginning February 5, 2024. Expect delivery within 7 - 10 days.

• How do I update my registration?

  Online at registertovote.ca.gov (opens a new window) OR by paper registration form, postmarked no later than February 20, 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 the Provide Vote By Mail Ballot to Representative Application available online. If you have questions, call 415-473-6456.

• What if I lose my ballot or make a mistake?
  • If you lost your ballot
    • You may go to any Vote Center and receive a replacement ballot.
  • If you made a mistake
    • You can:
    An example of how to fix a voting mistake.
    Click on the image to enlarge it.

    Draw a straight line completely through the incorrect vote and the oval. Then fill in the oval for the correct vote and write "correct" next to the correct vote.

    Do not sign or initial next to the error.

    • Or call the Elections Department at 415-473-6456
• What if I forget 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, March 5, OR hand deliver to any Vote Center or Official Ballot Drop Box. See our List of Vote Centers Locations or List of Drop Box Locations 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 (opens a new window) on the secretary of State's website, OR call the Elections Department at (415) 473-6456.

Are you registered as No Party Preference?

If the answer is Yes, you will get a nonpartisan ballot that includes all races except party primary candidates for U.S. President.

The State of California contacted all parties about offering their party ballot to voters registered as No Party Preference (NPP). Parties determined the following:

NPP voters MAY request this party ballot:

• American Independent Party
• Democratic Party
• Libertarian Party

• Options to vote on a party ballot listed above
  1. Return the postcard mailed to you in December, OR
  2. Return the application on the back cover of this guide by February 26, OR
  3. Go to a Vote Center for help. See our List of Vote Centers Locations for days and hours of operation

NPP voters MAY NOT request this party ballot:

• Green Party
• Peace and Freedom Party
• Republican Party

• Options to vote on a party ballot listed above
  1. Re-register by February 20 to change your party so you can vote for those presidential candidates, OR
  2. Go to a Vote Center for help. See our List of Vote Centers Locations for days and hours of operation

Online registration at www.registertovote.ca.gov, or call Elections Office at 415-473-6456 for a paper form.

Military/Over-Seas Voters

Ballots go out January 19

• Receiving your ballot by mail
  • Ballot packet includes this guide, ballot, instructions and postage-paid return envelope.
  • Your ballot must be postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12
    Date and sign 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 voted ballot (must print), Oath of Voter form, return instructions, and postage-paid return envelope image.
  • Your ballot must be:
    • Emailed on or before March 5 by 8 pm.
    • Mailed - postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12

Vote By Mail Voters

Ballots mailed starting February 5

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
  2. At a Vote Center - List of Vote Center Locations
  3. Mail your ballot - must be postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12