Measure Q FAQ
What is Measure Q?
Measure Q, a one-cent sales tax measure, is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Measure Q will provide locally controlled funding to protect Hemet public safety services and maintain the quality of life our residents deserve.
Voting YES on Measure Q is critical to ensuring our police and firefighter/ paramedics are available for Hemet residents when needed.
Why do we need Measure Q?
Calls for 911 emergency calls are higher than in the past, and we know response times are critical for saving lives. Crime, drug and gang activity are serious problems in our area, so we need to keep police officers on the streets and fund programs that help keep gang members from nearby communities out of Hemet.
Despite maintaining a balanced budget, state mandates and takeaways have impacted Hemet, and we are now using reserves to maintain services. The City has been fiscally responsible, reducing costs and freezing positions, but there is no more room to cut without impacting critical city services, including public safety.
Measure Q helps keep up with basic repairs and maintenance to our roads — repairs that will only get more expensive if we don’t address them now.
What services will Measure Q fund?
Measure Q funding would be available for all city general government uses, including:
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Improve 911 emergency and fire response
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Maintain police services, including neighborhood police patrols, and help address homelessness
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Support fire protection services, improve infrastructure, and replace outdated lifesaving and firefighting equipment
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Maintain library services
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Ensure safe, clean drinking water and water infiltration systems
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Repair streets, fix potholes, and keep public areas clean and stop illegal dumping
How will Measure Q ensure accountability?
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All funds are locally controlled for Hemet services only – the State can’t take a penny
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Independent citizens’ oversight and annual reports are required
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Essentials like groceries and medicine are exempt
How much will Measure Q cost?
Measure Q is a one-cent sales tax, meaning one additional cent for every one dollar of taxable purchases. The measure would generate approximately $16 million annually in local funding for Hemet public safety, local infrastructure and city services. For example, a one-cent increase would add one dollar to a $100 purchase.
How many votes does Measure Q need to pass?
Measure Q needs a 50%+1 majority vote to pass. All registered voters living in the City of Hemet are eligible to vote on Measure Q.
When can I vote YES on Q?
Measure Q is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
How can I vote YES on Q?
All voters will be mailed a ballot in this election the week of October 5. Once you receive your ballot, make sure you go to the bottom of the ballot, vote YES on Q, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required.
Voting sites will be open for early in-person voting and polling places will also be open on Election Day. Every vote counts for Measure Q so make sure you cast your ballot!
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov.
How can I learn more about voting in the November 3 election?
To find out more about voting in the November 3, 2026 election, please contact the Hemet City Clerk at (951) 765-2307 or visit the Riverside County Elections website: https://voteinfo.net/
