League of Women Voters supports SB 249 for consolidated education elections

California's Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 249, which aims to consolidate elections for county boards of education with the statewide general election. This proposed change, supported by the League of Women Voters and various advocacy groups, seeks to enhance voter turnout and representation in educational governance.

Savannah Jorgensen, representing the League of Women Voters, emphasized that consolidating these elections would address the low and often unrepresentative voter turnout seen in primary elections. She cited statistics showing that only 35% of registered voters participated in the 2024 primary, compared to 71% in the general election. Jorgensen argued that this disparity disproportionately affects younger voters and communities of color, limiting their influence on critical educational decisions. By aligning county board elections with general elections, SB 249 aims to ensure broader participation and accountability in local education leadership.

The bill received support from multiple organizations, including the California Teachers Association and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, highlighting a collective push for more inclusive electoral processes.

However, opposition emerged from members of the Orange County Board of Education, including Vice President Mary Barkey and her colleague Tim Shaw. They expressed concerns about the necessity and implications of the bill, questioning why the state should dictate local election processes. Barkey pointed out that there has been no demand from constituents for such changes and criticized the potential financial burden on taxpayers.

The committee's discussions reflect a significant debate over local governance and electoral representation in California, with implications for how educational leadership is shaped in the future. As the bill moves forward, its impact on voter engagement and local control remains a focal point for both supporters and opponents.