The latest batch of unofficial results as of this morning showed 51.7% voting yes on Measure A. Votes to approve are now leading by nearly 24,000 votes.
The proposal will establish independent oversight offices, require disclosure of spending data and extend term limits for the county Board of Supervisors, increasing the number of terms from two to three. It will also significantly expand the board’s power over some of the county’s most consequential public servants, including those responsible for public health, emergency response and the chief public defender.
Supporters say it will increase transparency and modernize governance for a county that spends $8.6 billion annually and serves 3.3 million residents. Critics, on the other hand, fear one key provision could make officials who are supposed to exercise independent judgment more vulnerable to the “whims” of politicians.