Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here's how we're voting.
Our endorsements for every race on Oakland's ballot, from school board to mayor. Polls close at 8 PM.
What's Happening Now
Read our voter guide
Every race on Oakland’s ballot, with our pick and why we made it. Short on time? The cheat sheet fits on one page you can take into the booth.
Get out and support our candidates
Knock doors and talk to neighbors with our volunteers. Pick a shift that fits, even an hour helps.
Find a canvass shiftWho We Are
Empower Oakland is on a mission to create a thriving Oakland through effective government. We know what Oaklanders want: safety, high quality public schools, and clean and thriving neighborhoods. We bring these city basics into focus through our content and community organizing — and deliver change at the ballot box.
Learn more about usWhat We've Delivered
Empower Oakland launched in 2023. In less than three years, we've become one of the most influential civic voices in Oakland.
#1 Voter Guide in Oakland
In our first election cycle, more Oakland voters used our guide than any other source, including KQED and the Alameda County Democratic Party.
Charlene Wang Elected
We backed Charlene Wang for the District 2 council seat. Outspent 3-to-1, our candidate won — proof that a great candidate + smart strategy beats big spending.
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2026 Priorities
Oakland is a great city with an underperforming government. We believe that's a solvable problem. In 2026, we're channeling our energy into three areas where Oakland needs the most progress.
01Public Safety
Oakland deserves to be safe. Crime remains far above the national average, and police staffing is still among the lowest per-crime of any major U.S. city. We're pushing for full staffing of OPD and 911 dispatch, smart deployment of technology, and real accountability — for officers and for the leaders who set policy.
Read our full public safety agenda02Public Schools
OUSD is in crisis. The district faces a massive structural deficit, and school board decisions driven by political pressure — not student outcomes — have made it worse. With school board races on the 2026 ballot, this is the year to elect pragmatic leaders who will make tough decisions, boost math and literacy outcomes, and stabilize the district's finances.
Read our full education agenda03Fiscal Accountability
Oakland has a $2 billion annual budget — the highest per capita of any city in California — and too little to show for it. Irresponsible budgeting, missed grants, no-bid contracts, and dependence on one-time revenue have eroded public trust. We need transparent finances, independent oversight, and leaders who treat taxpayer money like it matters.
Read our full fiscal accountability agendaOakland's Most-Read Independent Civic Analysis
In-depth reporting on City Hall, school board decisions, and election strategy — delivered free to your inbox.
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