Oakland's Most Trusted Voter Guide
In our first election cycle, the Empower Oakland voter guide became the most widely used voter resource in Oakland — ahead of KQED, the Alameda County Democratic Party, and every other source.
2026 Voter Guide
More Oaklanders used our voter guide than any other source for Oakland voter information in our first election cycle. We give you clear, independent Oakland elections coverage — city and school board races, county and regional measures — so you can cast an informed vote.
We take this responsibility seriously. Our endorsement committee is made up of dedicated and thoughtful Oaklanders from all over the city who dedicate hundreds of hours to reviewing candidates — through detailed questionnaires, in-person interviews, and deliberative votes requiring a 60% threshold.
The 2026 voter guide is coming. Subscribe to be the first to get it.
Subscribe for the 2026 Voter GuideHow We Make Endorsements
Our endorsement process is thorough and deliberative. A volunteer committee of everyday Oaklanders creates detailed questionnaires for each race, invites all ballot-qualified candidates to respond, and conducts in-person interviews for key races. For ballot measures, we review the full text, independent analyses, and arguments on both sides. All endorsements require a 60% committee vote, and members recuse themselves from races where they have personal conflicts.
Independent Analysis on the Issues That Matter Most to Oakland
Our newsletter covers City Hall, the school board, and Oakland elections — with the context and analysis you won't find anywhere else.
Subscribe to the Newsletter