Measure C Tax Hike Vote Is Close: Alameda County Election Results

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Alameda County Primary Election voters were asked to vote on Measure C, a half-cent sales tax hike for 20 years, and 61.1 percent of voters were in support of the tax increase as of Wednesday morning. A majority of votes is needed to pass the measure.

Measure C would raise the sales tax by a half-cent for the next 20 years in the entire county, both in cities and in unincorporated areas. The majority of the money collected, 80 percent, would be used for child care, preschool, and early education. The remaining 20 percent would go to pediatric health care.

The tax hike would raise an extra $150 million per year, according to estimates. An annual audit would be required to assure that the money is being spent appropriately.

Proponents say the tax hike would enable families to have top-notch early health care and child care.

Opponents question the ballot language that says a "majority" of votes is needed for passage.

The "Taxpayer Revolt" Proposition 13 in 1978 required a two-thirds majority for voter approval of special taxes for cities, counties, and special districts.

Read Measure C here.

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Find more coverage of primary election results on Patch:

• CA Primary Election Results 2020: Races For President, Congress
• Super Tuesday Results

Patch editor Bea Karnes contributed to this report.