Why this Matters

Why This Election Matters for Care Workers

Care providers live the impact of policy every day. From wages and benefits to housing, immigration, and the cost of living, decisions made by elected leaders shape whether we can do our jobs and support our families. That’s why we organize, and why we vote.

Our Priorities

Advocating for what is important to you!

Vote for Leaders Who Support Us

As a union made up of a majority of women and people of color, we fight daily against the real challenges our families, communities, and clients face. Voting is not just a duty; it’s a privilege and a powerful tool to create the change we need.  This election season, the stakes are higher than ever as we work to:
 
    • Protect IHSS and child care funding from cuts
    • Secure sustainable revenue to invest in care
    • Advance the true cost of care for providers
    • Strengthen tenant protections and affordable housing
    • Challenge corporate monopolies driving up costs
    • Protect immigrant communities

Wages and worker rights

Child care and family support

Healthcare access and affordability

Elect Leaders Who Stand With Us

UDW and AFSCME-Endorsed Candidates: Your Allies in the Fight

The leaders we elect shape our lives, our work, and our future. Vote for candidates who stand with care workers and share our values. Find UDW and AFSCME-endorsed candidates below who are fighting to raise wages, expand benefits, and strengthen our communities. 

Governor Endorsement

Tom Steyer for California Governor

Why is UDW endorsing Tom Steyer?
We stand with Tom Steyer because he understands that California’s economy runs on care and has committed to prioritizing IHSS and family child care. He will work with UDW members to secure fair wages and sign statewide bargaining into law, while his plan to close corporate tax loopholes would generate billions to invest in care, housing, and public services.
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Tom supports closing corporate tax loopholes like the Water’s Edge Election, one of the most costly giveaways to big corporations in California
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Tom backs reforming Proposition 13 so large commercial properties pay their fair share
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Tom supports single-payer health care, ensuring care is treated as a right, not a privilege
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Tom is committed to lowering electricity costs by challenging utility monopolies
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Tom supports abolishing ICE and protecting immigrant communities
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Tom has a strong track record of winning and shaping major ballot measures in California

2026 Voter Guide Coming Soon.

Polling Locations

Know Where to Vote: Plan Ahead for Election Day

In California, our ballots are mailed to us starting October 5, but if you’re not comfortable voting by mail or didn’t receive your ballot, you can find polling location to make your voice heard on Election Day. Knowing exactly where to go means taking control of your day so that nothing stands in your way of casting your ballot.

Find your polling location.
See what’s on the ballot.
Contact your election officials.

UDW Member Stories

Why Voting Matters

Learn why voting is crucial in our fight for justice, dignity and the future we all deserve.

Sydney O’Connor

We are a social justice union, and a lot of the rhetoric being pushed… is xenophobic, homophobic, racist—against the fabric that makes up our union. So, that’s scary stuff.

Monica Escalante

Our rights are being violated. I feel like these last few years have set us back many years… I’d like our rights back. It’s important.

Jermaine Moore

“[This election is] important for me in regards to my children because I’m raising little Black girls who are going to be Black women. So, my support is also a reflection upon them.

Take Action

Register to Vote

Make sure you are registered to vote to take that important step in standing up for our rights and our communities. Let’s show up strong and make our voices impossible to ignore.

Stand with Care Workers at the Ballot Box

Care workers are fighting to protect our communities, our jobs, and our future. Stay informed, know what’s at stake, and take action alongside us in this election.

Fighting for workers
and our communities.