San Rafael Measure W: No Leads on Transfer-Tax Proposal in Election Night Returns

SAN RAFAEL, Marin County — November 4, 2026. Voters were rejecting San Rafael’s Measure W in the first reported ballot count late Tuesday. The measure, described in election reporting as the city’s Essential Services Protection Measure involving a transfer tax, had 4,269 yes votes (38.3%) and 6,853 no votes (61.6%) in KQED’s November 3, 11:13 p.m. results.

What Measure W concerns

The measure concerns a local tax on certain property transfers. Questions of tax revenue and city services may affect municipal budgeting, but the ballot wording and official fiscal analysis should be consulted before interpreting the proposal’s expected effect on specific households.

Do not confuse this with City Council races

The city also voted for council representatives, including the closely contested District 3 race between Daryoush Davidi and Robert Sandoval. Read California58’s local District 3 report. The citywide measure and district-specific council election have different electorates and distinct vote totals.

Why the measure is not final

The measure requires a majority for passage, according to the KQED results summary. The early no majority is not a completed certified count. Marin County will count additional valid ballots as part of its canvass and begin scheduled post-election reporting November 5.

Sources: KQED, Marin County local measure results, updated 11:13 p.m. November 3; Marin County election-result schedule.

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