Plenty of critical races and measures are on the ballot today. Remember to vote.

MARSHALL TUCK

Marshall Tuck is a reformminded public schools advocate in the mold of President Obama’s education secretary Arne Duncan (who has endorsed him). Sacramento needs a superintendent of public instruction willing to put students first and challenge the status quo.

NO ON PROP. 6

In repealing a 12-cent-pergallon gas tax increase, this measure would take away muchneeded funding for an array of road, bridge and mass transit projects, some of which are already in progress. It also would require voter approval of any future increases.

STEVE POIZNER

Steve Poizner stands to make history by becoming the first independent elected to statewide office. That in itself would be good reason to vote for him over Democrat Ricardo Lara. Elected as a Republican in 2006, Poizner was a highly effective insurance commissioner.

NO ON PROP. C

Homelessness is the No. 1 issue in San Francisco, and it’s going to require more money to address it — but this measure is not the way to do it. Prop. C would raise business taxes by about $300 million a year for programs. But an equally needed level of accountability is lacking.

BUFFY WICKS

Hottest Bay Area legislative race features two Democrats. Buffy Wicks, a former key aide to President Barack Obama, was one of the most impressive candidates we interviewed this election cycle. Her opponent, Jovanka Beckles, is running way to the left.

NO ON PROP. 8

If you’ve turned on a TV in the past month, you’ve seen the commercials. Here’s what you need to know: This was pushed on the ballot by a union trying to curtail the profits of the state’s dominant dialysis provider. In the process, it could force many smaller clinics to close.