San Diego voters appear poised to reject Measure A, a proposed tax on homes left unoccupied for more than half the year, according to preliminary results from the county Registrar of Voters.
With early ballots counted, the measure was failing with 58.26% voting no and 41.74% voting yes. A simple majority was required for passage.
Measure A, dubbed the "Non-Primary Homes Tax," would impose annual taxes on residential properties within the city that remain vacant for more than 182 days per year. The tax would start at $8,000 in 2027 and increase to $10,000 in subsequent years.
The San Diego City Council voted 8-1 to place the measure on this year's ballot.
Supporters argued the tax would help address the city's housing shortage by encouraging owners to rent or sell vacant properties while generating revenue for housing and other city services. Opponents contended the measure raised questions about enforcement, legality and how any revenue would ultimately be spent.
In a Tuesday night statement, Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera said that San Diegans "showed up tonight against more than $1.3 million in big money opposition spending -- more than four times what our coalition spent -- and they did it because they're tired of watching homes sit empty while their neighbors sleep on the street and struggle to keep a roof over their heads."
(Photo: KGTV)