Gilroy Measure B: Hotel Tax Yes Leads 6,399 to 3,455 in November Election

GILROY, CALIFORNIA — NOVEMBER 5, 2026. Gilroy voters gave a preliminary Yes majority to a city ballot question concerning the hotel tax on November 3. Measure B had 6,399 Yes votes (64.9%) against 3,455 No (35.0%) in Santa Clara County’s Wednesday, November 4 results updated at 7:28 p.m. This is not yet a certified final outcome.

What a lodging tax generally means

A hotel occupancy tax, often called a transient occupancy tax, is levied on eligible short-term lodging rather than being a direct tax on ordinary long-term residential property. For Gilroy, the exact adopted tax rate, exemptions, destination of revenue, and effective date must come from the legal Measure B text, not from this election-night table alone. The source identifies it as a city hotel-tax measure requiring a majority; this article does not independently assert a new rate or amount of future annual revenue.

What the numbers actually show

In the latest displayed count, 9,854 valid Yes/No selections were reported. The Yes side leads by 2,944 votes. The 64.9% figure is the share of valid choices recorded for Measure B, not the portion of Gilroy’s entire population or of all registered voters. It may change when more eligible ballots are tabulated.

Why local tax decisions receive attention

Lodging taxes are frequently debated in relation to municipal services, visitor activity, and the revenue municipalities need to provide public infrastructure. Supporters and opponents may disagree about the burden on guests and the usefulness of additional revenue, but election returns alone do not show voters’ motivations. A separate analysis of the city’s adopted budget and hotel-tax ordinance would be needed to quantify the measure’s effect on tourism businesses and municipal finances.

Other city decisions remain separate

Gilroy voters also participated in statewide offices and California propositions, while local districts can have school, water, and other governing-board elections. Those questions have different electorates and different reporting totals. A city hotel-tax vote should not be interpreted as a countywide or statewide tax measure simply because it appears on the same election date.

Next official count

The Santa Clara County results reported by KQED are updated as county canvass data arrive. Check the Santa Clara County Registrar for later releases, and consult the county’s ballot-measure text for the legal effect of the measure. The November 4 tally is a source-stamped unofficial snapshot, not official certification.

Sources: KQED Santa Clara County results (November 4, 7:28 p.m.); official county election website. Verified November 5.

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