Santa Monica Ballot Omits Opposition to Measure GG

The city ballot incorrectly lists no opposition for the income verification measure, despite organized local pushback.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a heavy, rectangular document on an angular surface, representing an unresolved municipal ballot error. — Santa Monica voters face confusion over Measure GG after city officials declined to correct a ballot omission regarding organized opposition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Santa Monica voters will see no opposition listed for Measure GG on the November 3 ballot. City Clerk Walfred Solorzano declined requests to issue a correction after ballot labels for opponents were excluded.

Why it matters

The exclusion prevents voters from easily identifying organized opposition to the income verification mandate. With 50 percent of deed-restricted housing located in the Pico neighborhood, the error impacts a significant local population.

Approximately 50 percent of deed-restricted housing units are located within the Pico neighborhood. Only 10 to 15 percent of voters are estimated to review ballot arguments before casting their votes.

The players

Walfred Solorzano

He serves as the City Clerk for Santa Monica and is responsible for managing municipal election ballot content.

Mathew Millen

He is an opponent of Measure GG who attempted to list individuals rather than organizations as opposition.

Renters United - Santa Monica

This is a local tenant advocacy group that officially announced its opposition to the ballot measure.

Pico Neighborhood Association

This local community organization represents residents in the Pico neighborhood and held a town hall on the measure.

The details

The ballot was printed with the phrase 'None submitted' in the opposition field because opponents failed to provide organization names. City Clerk staff instructed them to list groups rather than individual names, and subsequent requests to rectify the error via press release or social media were denied.

October 1, 2026: The Pico Neighborhood Association hosted a town hall regarding the measure.
October 8, 2026: Renters United - Santa Monica announced its formal opposition to the measure.
October 16, 2026: Reports regarding the ballot error were published.
November 3, 2026: The election is scheduled to occur.

Political Context

The dispute over ballot labels follows strict administrative procedures set forth in the California Elections Code regarding ballot argument submission. Opponents argue that the Clerk's refusal to update the information limits voter transparency, while officials maintain the process for arguments is closed.

Voters evaluating Measure GG will not see formal opposition arguments on the ballot, potentially reducing awareness of the measure's impact on deed-restricted housing. Residents must seek information independently through the City Clerk website or local neighborhood groups.

The takeaway

Voters should be aware that the lack of opposition on a ballot does not signify a lack of organized dissent. Residents can research active ballot arguments on official city portals to make informed decisions before voting.