DAWN Endorsements

DAWN is a member-driven organization, and your voice matters.

  • Virtual Endorsement Vote Meeting: September 9, 6:30–7:00 p.m. (Register for Zoom link here)

    What’s on the November 4, 2025 Ballot?

    1. County Assessor Special Election – Voters will choose from four candidates a new Assessor to replace Larry Stone. 

    2. Sales Tax Measure A - proposed 0.625% sales tax increase to fund hospitals and clinics in response to Medicaid cuts caused by adoption of the “Big Beautiful Bill”.

    3. Proposition 50 – California Redistricting Amendment (“Election Rigging Response Act”) This would bypass the independent redistricting commission and allow the State Legislature to redraw congressional districts for the 2026–2030 elections.

    DAWN will be endorsing a candidate(s) for Santa Clara County Assessor in the November 4, 2025 special election. Because of the short timeline, DAWN’s Endorsement Committee is allowing any members who are in good standing by August 30th to participate in the vote.  

    In addition to the Assessor race, DAWN will also take positions on Measure A and Proposition 50. A separate endorsement vote will be held for these ballot items, with both sides presenting their positions during a virtual meeting (date TBD). Members must also be in good standing as of August 30, to participate.

    Eligibility Deadline: To participate in any endorsement vote, you must be a DAWN member in good standing by August 30. Not sure if you’re a current member in good standing? [Check Your DAWN Membership Status ]

    DAWN’s 2025 Membership Dues

    • Senior/Student: $10

    • Individual: $35

    • Family: $50
      Limited-Time Renewal Special (new or expired members)Renew now and secure 2025 AND 2026 at a discounted rate (offer ends August 30.) 

    • Individual: $50

    • Family: $75

    • Senior/Student: $15

    Pay Membership Dues Here

    DAWN Endorsement Voting Guide – County Assessor

    • The County Assessor candidates who have met the qualifications to be considered for an endorsement will be given 5 minutes to introduce themselves and present their platform.
      View candidate applications HERE

    • The Executive Board will present its recommendation via the consent calendar.

    • Members may vote to accept the recommendation or pull the item for discussion.

    • If pulled, a motion may be made and members will vote after discussion.

    DAWN Endorsement Votes – Sales Tax Measure & Proposition 50 (Date TBD)

    DAWN will also take positions on Measure 20 and Proposition 50

    • At the beginning of the meeting, proponents of each side will give a 7-minute presentation outlining their platform.

    • The Executive Board’s recommendations will be presented on the consent calendar.

    • Members may vote to accept the recommendations or make a motion to pull an item for discussion.

    • If pulled, members present may debate and vote on motions, which may change the DAWN Board’s recommendations.

    Eligibility Reminder: Only members in good standing as of August 30 may participate in these endorsement votes.

  • DAWN is a member-driven organization, and your voice matters. Here’s how our endorsement voting process works:

    Candidate Applications

    • All candidates who meet the qualifications for endorsement submit written applications.

    • Applications are shared with DAWN members for review prior to the endorsement meeting.

    Candidate Presentations

    • Each qualified candidate will have a set amount of time (typically 5 minutes) to introduce themselves and present their platform at the endorsement meeting.

    • For ballot measures, representatives from both the “pro” and “con” sides will be given equal time to present (usually 7 minutes each).

    Executive Board Recommendations

    • The Executive Board reviews applications and candidate information, then presents recommendations to the membership through a consent calendar.

    Consent Calendar Voting

    • Members may vote to accept the entire consent calendar as presented.

    • If a member wishes to discuss a specific item, they may pull it from the consent calendar.

    Discussion & Voting (Robert’s Rules)

    • Once pulled, the item is treated as a regular motion:

      1. A motion is made and seconded.

      2. Members may discuss the motion.

      3. To close debate, a member may “call the question” (motion for the Previous Question).

        • Requires a second

        • Requires a two-thirds vote to pass

      4. Membership then votes on the motion.

    Eligibility Reminder

    • Only DAWN members in good standing as of the membership cutoff date (specified in each endorsement notice) may participate in the voting and discussion process.

    • Members generally must be in good standing 30 days prior to the vote.

    • However, in certain circumstances (such as special elections), the cutoff date may be shortened.

    This process ensures fairness, transparency, and full participation from our members while keeping our meetings on track. Questions? Email VP of Endorsements HERE

  • Any Democratic candidate who is progressive, pro-choice, and a feminist may request an endorsement from DAWN.

    • DAWN proudly endorses feminist candidates of all genders who align with our values.

    • Financial contributions, however, are reserved for women candidates.

    If you’re interested in seeking our endorsement, please contact us for application details and upcoming endorsement meeting dates.

  • DAWNS Endorsed Candidates 2024