Election 2016: Prop Q
Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on San Francisco's Proposition Q.
ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.
In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.
Not sure how to vote on Proposition Q? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!
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What Is Prop Q?
Prop Q would prohibit the placement of tents on public sidewalks without a city permit.
The proposition would also authorize the city to remove such tents, as long as it provides 24-hour notice, offers shelter for all tent residents, and stores the residents’ personal property for 90 days.
Who Supports Prop Q?
Key supporters of Proposition Q include: Supervisors Mark Farrell and Katy Tang.
Supporters submitted the following argument in favor of Prop Q:
“…It is not compassionate to allow human beings to live in tents on our streets. It is both dangerous and unhealthy…
“Allowing tent cities to remain in place only prolongs homelessness and doesn’t help ensure homeless residents get the help and services they need. Prop Q ensures that the City prioritizes housing and support services for the homeless instead.”
Who Opposes Prop Q?
Key opponents of Prop Q include: the Coalition on Homelessness, and Supervisors John Avalos, Eric Mar, and Aaron Peskin.
Opponents submitted the following argument against Prop Q:
“Prop Q doesn’t create additional housing or beds—it would simply shuffle people from block to block…
“[It] would force City outreach workers to dismantle tents with only 24 hours’ notice, and to offer only a one-night stay in a shelter, after which campers would be right back out on the streets.
“Tents are already illegal under state law, and police already use local laws like sit/lie to cite people camping on the streets. The Budget and Legislative Office reports we spent $20.6 million enforcing anti-homeless laws last year, ticketing and arresting people simply for resting.
“This has been a resounding failure: Homelessness has increased. To make matters worse, tickets create legal barriers to housing eligibility.”
Learn More about Prop Q
To learn more, read the full text of Proposition Q.
