Election 2024

Mayor Thao accepts recall, thanks voters for electing her: ‘It isn’t about me. … It has always been about Oakland.’

Oakland voters have recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. With more than 65,000 votes tallied, 64% have said yes to a recall, prompting the need for a special election to elect a new mayor in a few months. In a statement acknowledging her defeat Friday night, Thao said, “I am deeply proud of the progress we created together and I am committed to ensuring we stay on track by supporting a smooth transition. It isn’t about me. It never has been. It…

Price recall becoming more likely, as latest vote counts show two-thirds want her out

With over 211,000 votes counted, the recall attempt for progressive Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price appears to have been successful.  The latest election results, released Thursday night, show  the yes for recall votes ahead, with nearly 65% of voters agreeing to recall Price. On Wednesday, Price released a statement on her Instagram account urging patience and optimism while votes were still being counted at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. The post’s comments received mixed reactions, with some support…

Election Day results: Gallo leads Oakland City Council District 5

Early election returns showed incumbent District 5 City Councilmember Noel Gallo with a strong lead over challengers Erin Armstrong and Dominic Prado Tuesday night. Gallo began his day walking the streets of District 5 accompanied by his wife and daughter. He stopped to visit homes, churches and schools, handing out flyers and door hangers and urging his constituents to vote. He planned to watch election results at home with family and friends. For Armstrong, Election Day started like any other…

Election Day results: Bauters leads Alameda County supervisors race

Emeryville City Council member John Bauters was ahead of Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas in the Alameda County supervisors race, early vote tallies showed Tuesday night. Both candidates promised to prioritize housing, homelessness, and public safety. They are running for the seat that Keith Carson has held since 1992. He announced in December that he would be retiring.   The seat represents Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, and much of Oakland. “The position requires collaboration with local governments, community organizations, and…

ELECTION RESULTS: Poll voters overwhelmingly favor Thao and Price recalls

With all voting precincts reporting Tuesday, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price appeared headed for recalls. On both ballots, nearly two-thirds of voters chose to recall Thao and Price. The results are far from final, with mail-in ballots being counted in the coming days, and certification of the vote not until December. Five council seats are up for reelection and only two incumbents are asking voters to return them, which means the council will have…

ELECTION DAY COVERAGE: Continuous updates from the polls in Oakland

While most of the attention on Election Day will focus on Vice President and East Bay native Kamala Harris’ attempt to make history and become the nation’s first woman president, Oakland North will focus on the races that will change the makeup of the Oakland City Council. Shortly after the polls open at 7 a.m., our reporters will be talking to voters across the city about the council races and measures on the ballot. Five council seats are up for…

Oakland voters asked to support a property tax increase to keep millions of dollars in public safety funding

Oakland voters are being asked to consider a measure on the ballot that would increase property taxes as a way to fund public safety and crime prevention programs. But to understand Measure NN, you need to know about Measure Z, the voter-approved action that has been doing this since 2015. Measure Z is set to expire on Dec 31, which is why Measure NN is being put to the voters. It would extend the support Measure Z has provided, while…

Would Prop. 36 reduce retail theft and drug offenses, or would it just punish harshly without deterring crime?

Despite claims and counterclaims by politicians, police officials and community groups about the direction of Oakland’s crime rate, one thing is clear: Many Oakland voters say they continue to feel unsafe when they are out shopping, dining at a restaurant, or even strolling around Lake Merritt. On Tuesday, California voters will decide on a new statewide ballot measure that proposes tougher penalties for law-breakers. Proposition 36, say its supporters, will provide much needed relief to the crime plaguing the city….

INTERACTIVE MAP: Find a polling place near an Oakland BART station

BART will run its regular schedule across all 50 stations on Election Day, providing voters with a transit option to reach polling sites and ballot drop boxes. The agency said it aims to ensure smooth service for residents who rely on public transit to cast their ballots. “We are always excited to make it easier for riders to participate in the election process, especially those who lack options beyond public transit,” said BART spokesperson Chris Filippi.  Use the interactive map…