Most Sacramento voters could tell you who’s running for governor. But ask them about the California Board of Equalization, and you’ll likely get a blank stare—which is exactly why this June 2 primary matters more than you’d think.
This isn’t a glamorous race. The Board of Equalization doesn’t make headlines like a statewide office. But it controls something that touches nearly every property owner in California: how your home gets taxed, how much businesses pay on alcohol and insurance, and whether assessors across the state are playing by the same rules. In other words, it’s the unglamorous machinery that actually runs your tax bill.
The primary election on June 2 will whittle down the candidate pool to just the top two vote-getters, who’ll face off again in November. That means Sacramento voters—along with everyone else in California—get to decide which direction this often-overlooked board takes. It’s the kind of race that flies under the radar until it doesn’t, and by then, the decision’s already made.
If you’ve ever wondered why property taxes work the way they do, or questioned whether your county’s assessor is doing things the same way as the county next door, this is your moment to pay attention. Head to the polls on June 2, and while you’re at it, take a closer look at what the Board of Equalization actually does. Democracy works best when people vote informed, not just by name recognition.
Check back here after polls close at 8 p.m. for live results.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
