Preliminary returns show clear victories for Measures A and B, which means a half-cent higher sales tax in San Mateo County for the next 10 years and a change in the electoral landscape for electing supervisors.

As of 10:30 p.m., Measure A was passing with 63 percent of the vote, with 96,191 voting for the increased sales tax and 54,318 voting against it, with 68 percent of the precincts reporting, according to Elections Office reports.

The tally for Measure B was in the same ballpark, passing with 58.6 percent of the vote, with 83,013 supporting a change to elections for supervisor such that they are elected only by the voters in their districts instead of all the voters in the county, and 58,646 voting to keep at-large elections.

These numbers were reversed for Measure C, a proposal to appoint rather than elect the county's chief accountant. By a 60 percent majority, 82,991 voted against the measure, with 55,578 voting for it, with 68 percent of precincts reporting.

The Almanac will have more on these measures tomorrow.

— Dave Boyce

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