San Diego voter guide to the November 2024 general election - Axios San Diego

Andrew Keatts

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios

If TV commercials and the contents of your mailboxes didn't give it away, election season is in full swing.

Why it matters: Election Day, on Nov. 5, will determine control of city halls,the county board of supervisors and decide the fate of local tax measures and state propositions on criminal enforcement, rent control and school funding.

How to vote

Every registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail on the week of Oct. 6.

You can return that ballot through the postal service through Nov. 5, as long as you sign the return envelope.
Drop boxes will open around the county beginning Oct. 8; the County Registrar will publish a list and map of those locations on its information page once ballots go out.
In-person voting is available at the County Registrar's office starting Oct. 7, select vote centers beginning Oct. 26 and at over 200 locations beginning Nov. 2.

Zoom in: The voter registration deadline is Oct. 21.

If you miss it, you can still register and submit a conditional ballot by visiting the registrar or a vote center through Nov. 5.
The deadline for the registrar to certify election results is Dec.5

The latest: We are launching a voter guide that we'll update throughout election season.

Expect to see 1-minute voter guides outlining the ballot choices in all 18 cities in San Diego County, plus more in-depth coverage on a race-by-race basis.

Measure G

State of play: Every San Diego County voter will weigh in on a proposed half-cent sales tax increase for regional transportation projects intended to ease congestion and lower the region's carbon footprint.

Mayor of San Diego

State of play: Democratic Mayor Todd Gloria is seeking re-election against Larry Turner, a police officer and registered independent.

Local tax measures

State of play: Voters in San Diego, Encinitas, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Santee, San Marcos, El Cajon, National City and Lemon Grove will all be asked to pass new or extend old tax measures for city services.

The bottom line: We'll update this page with new election-related coverage throughout the next two months.

As everyone receives their mail ballots ahead of the Nov. 5 general election, it’s time to answer all of your voting questions. Here’s a guide for San Diego voters on what to expect.

When is Election Day?

The general presidential election is Tuesday, Nov. 5, but elections are no longer one-day events, and registered California voters can vote by mail anytime before that, once they have received their mail ballot, or at select polling locations across the county.

What’s being decided in this election?

Voters who head to the polls in November will be choosing who to elect as the next U.S. president, as well as for members of Congress and the state Legislature.

All San Diego County voters will also be helping to determine the outcome of 10 statewide ballot measures, as well as one county-specific measure. Additionally, voters in several communities and school districts will decide on measures specific to their region. A full list of local measures can be found on the county Registrar of Voters’ website.

Do I have to be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote in the general election?

No. In the general election, you can vote for any candidate from any party. It does not matter if you are registered with a political party or who you voted for in the past.

And you can vote in the general election even if you did not vote in the primary.

OK, so how do I vote?

If you’re registered to vote in California, you should receive a ballot in the mail the week of Oct. 6. There are several options for how to return it.

Ballot drop boxes will open Oct. 8, so voters can start voting and returning these ballots as soon as they are received.

All California mail ballots include a return envelope with prepaid postage. Ballots will be counted as long as they are postmarked on or before Nov. 5 and received by election officials within one week of Election Day.

Early voting will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Oct. 7 at the county election office, located at 5600 Overland Ave. in Kearny Mesa.

Select vote centers across the county will be open daily starting Oct. 26. Then starting Nov. 2, all of the more than 200 vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 4.

On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov or call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) to learn more about your options.

I’m not registered, or I’m not sure if I’m registered. How do I register to vote, or how do I check to see if I am registered to vote?

If you’re registered to vote in California, you should have received a ballot by mail.

If you didn’t and want to find out if you are currently registered, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. You can also contact the San Diego County Registrar of Voters at (858) 565-5800, as well as the California Secretary of State at elections@sos.ca.gov or (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

If you have changed your residence or mailing address, your name or your political party choice, you will need to update your registration.

You can register to vote online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov or in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles office or the county elections office, along with many post offices, libraries and government offices.

For more information on voter registration, visit sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions.

What is the deadline to register to vote?

The last day to register to vote online is Oct. 21.

What if I miss the registration deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you can still conditionally register to vote in person at a voting center and cast a provisional ballot there through Election Day.Your provisional ballot will be counted once a county elections official verifies your voter registration.

How do I vote by mail?

After you have filled out your mail ballot with your choices, place it in the return envelope, seal the envelope and sign on the designated line.Make sure your signature looks like the one you used when you registered to vote. If you registered to vote at the DMV or online, the signature will be the one on your driver’s license or state ID.

Then, put your ballot into a mailbox or secure drop box, or deliver it to a voting center or county elections office.

I’d rather vote in person. Where can I vote in person?

In-person voting options will be available at various locations across the county.

You can visit the California secretary of state’s website at vote.ca.gov, call the toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or text “vote” to GOVOTE (468683) to find locations nearest you.

What should I bring with me?

If you filled out your mail ballot, you should take that to the voting center.

Most of the time, on Election Day you are not required to show identification at the polling place, unless:

You are voting for the first time in a federal election, and you registered by mail.
You did not provide your driver’s license number, state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on the registration card when registering by mail.

What if I am not on the list of voters at my polling place?

If your name is not on the list of registered voters at your polling place, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot.

If voters are eligible to vote and vote provisionally, their ballots will be counted.

What happens to my ballot after I vote?

If your name is not on the list of registered voters at your polling place, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot.

If voters are eligible to vote and vote provisionally, their ballots will be counted.

What if I am not on the list of voters at my polling place?

You can sign up to track your ballot at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov and receive updates on the status of your ballot by text message (SMS), email or voice call.

Mail ballots must be processed and authenticated before they can be counted.

After the information is confirmed, ballots are counted.

How do I vote if I speak a language other than English?

San Diego County elections officials offer reference ballots in several languages other than English: Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Persian and Somali. Here is more information on available language assistance.

I’m homeless, or I don’t have a permanent address. Can I still vote?

Yes. Under California law, you can vote even if you don’t have a permanent address.

You will need to register using the location where you spend most of your time — even cross streets — so that election officials can assign you to the proper voting precinct, and you will need an address at which you can receive mail. Here’s more information.

Can I still vote if I didn’t get a ballot? Can I still vote if I lost my mail ballot?

Yes, you can either vote in person or request a replacement.

If you failed to receive your ballot in the mail or if you have lost or destroyed your original mail ballot, you may apply in writing for a replacement at the county election office.

When will the election results be available?

Election results will begin to be available after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. The San Diego Union-Tribune will track election results live. Sign up for our email alerts to get the latest updates on election news.

Election results will continue to be updated throughout election night as votes are counted, and the results will continue to be updated in the following days as more ballots are processed.

The official certified results of the election will be posted by Dec. 5.

Watchdog Week: Hold your local officials accountable with our original investigative, watchdog and government reporting.

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Originally Published: September 9, 2024 at 10:02 a.m.

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November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election

Check your voter registration to verify your political party preference, home address, and if different your mailing address. If you need to make updates, you can complete a new voter registration online.

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Under the California Voter’s Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 6, 2024.

Here are your voting options:

MAIL IT

You can complete your ballot in the comfort of your home and return it through the U.S. Postal Service. Your signature is required on your return envelope for your vote to count!

DROP IT

Starting Tuesday, October 8, you’ll have the additional option of dropping off your ballot at any official ballot drop box located around the county.

VISIT

If you would rather vote in person, that option is available too. Avoid long lines by taking advantage of early in-person voting:

Starting Monday, October 7, early voting is available at the Registrar’s office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting Saturday, October 26, select vote centers and the Registrar’s office will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 4.
Starting Saturday, November 2, over 200 vote centers and the Registrar’s office will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 4.
On the final day of voting, Tuesday, November 5, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What I Need To Know

Check Your Registration

Important Dates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Voter Education Flyer

Public Notices and More

Public Notice

Warning: Electioneering Prohibited!

Warning: Corrupting The Voting
Process Is Prohibited!

Election Security

Prohibited Activities During Election Process

Election Observation

While it may seem like the 2024 Presidential General Election is still a long way off — it's actually very close. Heading into election season, here are some important dates registered San Diego County voters will want to be aware of.

Scroll down for key calendar dates leading up to the Nov. 5, 2024 Presidential General Election.

The Democratic and Republican conventions have ended and we've passed Labor Day, which traditionally signals the start of campaign season.

The first presidential debate is scheduled for Sept. 10 between Former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. Not long after, Trump is scheduled to be sentenced in his New York hush money case on Sept. 18. And early in-person voting will start as soon as Sept. 20 in some states.

Here are some of the key election dates for San Diegans.

Check your voter registration

When preparing to vote, check your voter registration to verify that your political party preference, home address, and if different, your mailing address. Click here to check your registration status or register to vote.

Local

Thursday, Sept. 26: Voter Information Pamphlets sent out

All registered voters in San Diego County will start seeing those familiar Voter Information Pamphlets in their mail starting on Sept. 26.

Week of Oct. 6: Ballots sent in the mail

During the week of Oct. 6, expect to see your official ballot arrive in the mail. Thanks to the California Voter's Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in their mail.

Monday, Oct. 7: In-person early voting begins

If you prefer to get your in-person voting done early, this is the time. The County Registrar's office opens on Oct. 7 for early voting, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Ballot drop boxes open

If you prefer to drop off your ballot, official ballot drop boxes open on Oct. 8 through Nov. 5 and are located around the county. A list of drop box locations and a locator map will become available on the Election Information page here.

What do the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes look like?

Official ballot drop boxes are red, white and blue and feature the Registrar's logo and the County seal. All of the boxes will be labeled “Official Ballot Drop Box” and are made from high-grade, heavy gauge stainless steel.

An official San Diego County Registrar of Voters ballot drop box at the North Park Library.

Monday, Oct. 21: Deadline to register to vote

This is the last day you can register to vote for the 2024 Presidential General Election. Check your registration status and details by clicking here.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Vote centers open for in-person voting

In addition to the County Registrar's office, some vote centers will start opening daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 through Nov. 4. Early voting in-person (and dropping off your ballot) can be a way to avoid long voting lines.

Saturday, Nov. 2: More vote centers open

With only a few days left of election season, more than 200 vote centers and the Registrar's office will open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 4.

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day

Election Day is the final day to vote. On this day, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes and the Registrar's office will be open extra hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In order to count, vote-by-mail return envelopes MUST be postmarked on or before Election Day and the Registrar of Voters office must receive it no later than Nov. 12, 2024.

A list of important Presidential General Election dates, according to the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters. (County of San Diego Registrar of Voters)

California voter guide: Senate, House, Assembly elections

Oct. 7: Deadline for ballots to be postmarked to every registered voter
Oct. 7: Early voting sites open
Oct. 21: Deadline to register to vote (online or by mail)
Oct. 22: Same-day registration begins
Nov. 5: Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 2024 presidential election so far has been a whirlwind of unprecedented shocks and surprises, and that's even before votes have been cast. Though the race for the White House inevitably looms large, voters in the nation's most populous state are facing plenty of election drama and critical decisions in their own backyard.

Californians across the state this November will cast their vote in the contest for the first open Senate seat in decades, wade into hotly contested debates over crime and rent control and decide on measures that will alter the state's constitution.

U.S. Senate race in California

California voters selected Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican baseball legend Steve Garvey in the 2024 primary to duke it out in November for one of the state's two seats in the U.S. Senate. The two are vying for California's first open Senate seat in decades, left vacant last year following Sen. Dianne Feinstein's death. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Democrat Laphonza Butler to the seat shortly afterward, and she will cede to the winning candidate. As a result, Californians will vote twice for their chosen candidate November — once to fill the remainder of Feinstein's term ending January 2025, and a second for a full six-year term ending 2031.

Learn more about the U.S. Senate candidates

U.S. House races in California

Voters in all the state’s 52 U.S. House districts will have the chance to choose who they want to represent them for two-year terms in Congress. For those living in a handful of Central Valley and Southern Californian districts, their choice this November may very well decide which party controls the House for the next few years. In the 2022 midterms, California Republicans eked out narrow wins in the state’s battleground districts, giving the GOP control in Washington. But House Republicans have the slimmest majority in history, ratcheting up the stakes for these competitive California districts. It’s these races, along with a few in New York, that will decide which party controls Congress — and whether the new president will step into the White House with a helpful or hostile legislature.

In U.S. Congressional District 25 — a sprawling district that includes Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella, and other parts of the eastern Coachella Valley, along with other parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and all of Imperial County — Republican Ian Weeks is challenging incumbent Democrat Rep. Raul Ruiz.

In U.S. Congress District 41, the November election is a rematch from 2022 between incumbent Republican Rep. Ken Calvert and challenger Will Rollins, a Democrat.

Learn more about the U.S. House candidates

California state Senate

Voters in half of the 40 state Senate districts will choose their representatives. The current state Senate has 31 Democrats and nine Republicans. If Republicans win four or more seats, the Democrats would no longer hold their two-thirds supermajority.

In California Senate District 19, Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and Democrat Lisa Middleton are vying for the seat that includes the Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells.

Learn more about the California state Senate candidates

California state Assembly

Voters will choose their representatives in all 80 state Assembly districts, and Democrats also have a supermajority, controlling 62 of the 80 seats.

In California Assembly District 36, Democrat Jose “Joey” Acuña Jr. and Republican Jeff Gonzales are vying for the seat which will be vacated by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, who is not seeking reelection.

The contest for California Assembly District 47 is another rematch from 2022 that has Democrat and current member of the Palm Springs City Council Christy Holstege seeking to unseat Assemblymember Greg Wallis, a Republican.

Learn more about the California state Assembly candidates

Propositions on the ballot in California

Voters will decide on 10 statewide propositions this November, making the general ballot a bit more crowded than during the 2022 midterms but largely par for the course during a presidential election year.

There are three constitutional amendments and two bond measures up for consideration in November.

The list includes a controversial pullback of criminal justice reforms, changes to how the state constitution considers slavery and same-sex marriage, and multi-million-dollar funding for school facilities and climate change preparedness.

California Prop 2: School bond

This $10 billion bond measure would fund renovation and construction of K–12 and community college facilities across the state, with $8.5 billion earmarked for K-12 buildings and $1.5 billion for community colleges.

Learn more about California's Proposition 2: School bond

California prop 3: Same-sex marriage

This measure would officially remove language in the state constitution banning same-sex marriage, characterizing it as only between a man and a woman. It's a hold-over from 2008 when voters passed the controversial Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban, which was then swiftly overturned, and then nulled entirely when the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California.

Learn more about California's Proposition 3: Same-sex marriage

California Prop 4: Climate change

This $10 billion bond measure would go toward a variety of climate change preparedness and adjustment projects. More than half would fund water infrastructure projects including drought and flood resilience, wildfire prevention and projects to protect against sea level rise.

Learn more about California's Proposition 4: Climate change

California Prop 5: Affordable housing

This measure would make it easier for local governments to pass bonds and taxes for affordable housing. It would change the vote threshold for these local measures, from a two-thirds majority of voters to 55%.

Learn more about California's Proposition 5: Affordable housing

California Prop 6: Prison labor

This proposition, a constitutional amendment, would prohibit the state from giving inmates involuntary work assignments, largely considered a form of slavery via indentured servitude. It would also disallow state prisons from punishing inmates who refuse to work, and would create volunteer programs that could shorten inmates' sentences.

Learn more about California's Proposition 6: Prison labor

California Prop 32: Minimum wage

This measure would bump the state's minimum wage from its current rate of $16 an hour to $18 an hour by 2026, making it the nation’s highest. Businesses with more than 25 employees would have to reach that $18 an hour by the first of 2025, much earlier than smaller businesses.

Learn more about California's Proposition 32: Minimum wage

California Prop 33: Rent control

Another attempt to expand rent control will be before voters in November after similar measures failed in 2018 and 2020. The measure would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which bans rent control on single-family homes constructed after 1995, and would allow cities to control rent on any type of housing.

Learn more about California's Proposition 33: Rent control

California Prop 34: Patient spending

This measure, backed by the state's leading landlord lobby, the California Apartment Association, would require health care providers meeting a certain list of requirements to spend nearly all of its revenues on direct patient care. It would effectively only apply to The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been a major supporter of rent control initiatives and is considered by critics to be a politically motivated effort to weaken the foundation's ability to fund such efforts in the future.

Learn more about California's Proposition 34: Patient spending

California Prop 35: Medi-Cal funding

This measure would make permanent an existing tax on health insurers, which is currently set to expire in 2026. The tax is used to pay for Medi-Cal health care services, and Proposition 35 would require revenues to be used only for specified Medi-Cal services, including primary and specialty care, emergency care, family planning, mental health, and prescription drugs.

Learn more about California's Proposition 35: Medi-Cal funding

California Prop 36: Crime penalties

This measure would repeal parts of the decade-old Proposition 47, which reduced punishments for some nonviolent crimes, which Republican and law enforcement critics say has led to more theft and drug trafficking. The measure would allow prosecutors to seek prison and felony charges for individuals with three or more convictions, overturning Democrat-supported reforms, and would allow courts to mandate drug treatment as a prison alternative.

Learn more about California's Proposition 36: Crime penalties

Cathedral City

Voters in Cathedral City will elect two city council members, and also decide whether to increase the sales tax.

In Cathedral City Council District 1, incumbent Rita Lamb is challenged by Michael Hayes and Mark Scharaga for a four-year term.

In Cathedral City Council District 2, Nancy Ross is running unopposed for reelection to a fresh four-year term.

Learn more about the Cathedral City candidates

Coachella

Coachella residents will vote for mayor this fall and they’ll have a choice between two familiar faces for the role. Two at-large seats on the city council also are up for election, along with the city clerk and treasurer seats. Coachella voters also will be asked whether they approve a hike in the city's transient occupancy tax.

For Coachella mayor, incumbent Stephen Hernandez is challenged by current city councilmember Frank Figueroa for a fresh two-year term.

Candidates for two spots on the Coachella City Council include: incumbent Denise Delgado, Kimberly Miranda, Yadira Perez and Marcos Granados Jr.

Angela Zepeda is running unopposed for city clerk, as is Mayra Perez for city treasurer.

Learn more about the Coachella candidates

Desert Hot Springs

Voters in Desert Hot Springs will choose a mayor and two city council members. Desert Hot Springs voters also will decide whether to approve a 1 cent sales tax to help pay for city services.

Challenging Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Mattas for a four-year term are councilmember Russell Betts and Stephen Giboney.

Voters in Desert Hot Springs City Council District 2 will choose between Roger Nunez and Daniel Pitts for a four-year term.

Vying for the Desert Hot Springs City Council District 4 seat are Gary Carroll, Charles Lantz, Thomas Moen and Dirk Voss.

Learn more about the Desert Hot Springs candidates

Indian Wells

Voters in Indian Wells will pick three candidates for four-year terms to fill at-large seats on the Indian Wells City Council.

The candidates are Brian Penna, Greg Sanders, Toper Taylor and Nel Yvonne Sklar. Councilmember Ty Peabody and former member Doug Hanson were prohibited from seeking re-election this year due to term limits established through a voter-approved ballot measure, a Riverside County judge ruled.

Learn more about the Indian Wells candidates

Indio

Two Indio City Council seats are up for election, but only one is contested by multiple candidates. Voters also will be selecting a city clerk and treasurer.

In Indio City Council District 1, incumbent Glenn Miller is running unopposed for a fresh four-year term.

In Indio City Council District 5 race, incumbent Lupe Ramos Amith is challenged for another four-year term by Indio Police Department staffer Ben Guitron.

City Clerk Cynthia Hernandez, who is seeking another four-year term, is challenged by Megan Scarborough-Eckel, currently a clerk for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Rob Rockwell is seeking to be elected to the treasurer role he was appointed to last year. He has no challengers for the four-year term.

Learn more about the Indio candidates

La Quinta

La Quinta voters will be asked to elect two at-large members to the city council and a mayor.

For two at-large La Council City Council seats, incumbent councilmembers Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Steve Sanchez are challenged by Joe Johnson for four-year terms.

Incumbent La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans, who is seeking a fresh two-year term to the post, is challenged by Robert Sylk.

Learn more about the La Quinta candidates

Palm Desert

In Palm Desert’s first council election with a five-district voting system, a total of eight candidates — including a trio of incumbents — are running in the three districts where seats are up for grabs this year. Voters also will be asked whether they support a 1-cent sales tax hike.

In Palm Desert City Council District 1, incumbent Karina Quintanilla, who is presently the city's mayor by rotation, is challenged by Chris Scott for a four-year term.

In Palm Desert City Council District 2, incumbent Kathleen Kelly is challenged by Gregg Akkerman and Joe Pradetto for a four-year term.

In Palm Desert City Council District 3, incumbent Gina Nestande is challenged by newcomers Stephen Nelson and Anyse Smith.

Learn more about the Palm Desert candidates

Palm Springs

Voters in Palm Springs will elect two new members to the city council to replace its two longest-serving members, Christy Holstege and Lisa Middleton, both of whom are seeking state office instead of reelection.

Voters citywide also will be asked voters to remove the sunset clause on Measure J, the 1% sales tax that has raised tens of millions of dollars for the city in over 10 years. In effect, that would make the tax permanent instead of having it end as scheduled in 2036.

In Palm Springs City Council District 4, Ernest Ceceña, Joe Jackson, Anna Nevenic, David Rios and Naomi Soto are vying for a four-year term on council.

In Palm Springs City Council District 5, former City Manager David Ready is running unopposed for a four-year term on council.

Learn more about the Palm Springs candidates

Rancho Mirage

Voters will elect two at-large members of the Rancho Mirage Council to four-year terms. Incumbents Ted Weill and Michael O'Keefe (appointed) are challenged by Wayne Avrashow, Nate Lewis and Gregory Goodman.

Learn more about the candidates for Rancho Mirage City Council

College of the Desert Board of Trustees

College of the Desert will see three of its five trustee seats contested this fall, with each incumbent running for re-election against challengers.

In COD Trustee Area 2, incumbent Beatriz "Bea" Gonzalez is challenged by Mary Jane Sanchez and Kenneth Snell.

In COD Trustee Area 3, former Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden, appointed to the board in 2023 following Fred Jandt’s resignation, will face Rocio Conde, an educator.

In COD Trustee Area 5, incumbent Bonnie Stefan is challenged by Mark. W. Meyer.

Learn more about the College of the Desert candidates

Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees

Voters will decide who will fill four of the seven seats on the Coachella Valley Unified School District board of trustees. Some trustees represent overlapping areas in the East Valley, sharing coverage with other school board members. Each race has new challengers squaring off against incumbents.

In Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 1, incumbent Trinidad "Trini" Arredondo is challenged by Agustín Arreola.

In Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 2, incumbent Jesus Gonzalez is challenged by Altrena Santillanes

In Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 3, Thomas Tortez Jr. is running unopposed.

In Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 4, incumbent Jocelyn Vargas is challenged by Adrian Rodriguez.

Learn more about the Coachella Valley Unified School District candidates

Desert Sands Unified School District

The three open seats on Desert Sands Unified School District's five-member board will be filled by the current board members, all of whom have filed for re-election and are running unopposed.

In Desert Sands Unified School District Trustee Area 2, Kailee Watson is running unopposed.

In Desert Sands Unified School District Trustee Area 3, Tricia Pearce is running unopposed.

In Desert Sands Unified School District Trustee Area 4, Linda Porras is running unopposed.

Learn more about the Desert Sands Unified School District candidates

Palm Springs Unified School District

Palm Springs Unified School District’s five-member board will see its two open seats filled by incumbent members, as they face no opposition in their re-election bids. Voters also will decide whether to approve spending $465 million for school repairs.

In Palm Springs Unified School District Trustee Area 1, Madonna Gerrell is running unopposed.

In Palm Springs Unified School District Trustee Area 2, Sergio Espericueta is running unopposed.

Learn more about the Palm Springs Unified School District candidates

Desert Healthcare District

Four seats on the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board of Directors are up for grabs this November. Two incumbents are vying for reelection, while two current directors have chosen to step down, opening up their respective races to a new group of candidates.

Voters in the Desert Healthcare District also will be asked whether they support Tenet Health's proposed 30-year lease purchase agreement for Desert Regional Medical Center.

In Desert Healthcare District Zone 1, Rich Lykens, Robert Piecuch and Greg Rodriguez are vying for the open seat.

In Desert Healthcare District Zone 3, Daniel Logsdon and Claudia Galvez are vying for the open seat.

In Desert Healthcare District Zone 5, incumbent Arthur Shorr is challenged by Carlos E. Garcia.

In Desert Healthcare District Zone 7, incumbent Leticia De Lara is running unopposed.

Learn more about the Desert Healthcare District candidates

Desert Water Agency

Two seats on the Desert Water Agency board are up for election, with the incumbents facing no challengers.

In Desert Water Agency Board Division 4, incumbent Paul D. Ortega is running unopposed.

In Desert Water Agency Board Division 5, incumbent Kristin Bloomer is running unopposed.

Learn more about the Desert Water Agency

Coachella Valley Water District

Two seats are up for election on the Coachella Valley Water District Board.

In Coachella Valley Water District Division 2, incumbent Anthony Bianco is running unopposed.

In Coachella Valley Water District Division 4,Robert A. Keeran, who is a retired Coachella Valley Water District multi-media specialist , is vying against incumbent Peter G. Nelson.

Learn more about the Coachella Valley Water District

Mission Springs Water District

Three seats are up for grabs on the Mission Springs Water District Board.

In Mission Springs Water District Division 2, incumbent Robert W Griffith is running unopposed.

In Mission Springs Water District Division 3, incumbent Russ Martin is challenged by Adam Sanchez. Sanchez previously was mayor of Desert Hot Springs and ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2022.

In Mission Springs Water District Division 4, Ivan Sewell is running unopposed.

Learn more about the Mission Springs Water District

Endorsements/ Voter Guide - The Republican Party of San Diego County

Updated: 09/10/2024

Federal Government Offices

US President

Donald J. Trump

US House of Representatives

48th District: Darrell Issa
49th District: Matt Gunderson
50th District: No endorsement
51st District: Bill Wells
52nd District: No endorsement

California State Government Offices

CA State Senate

39th District: Bob Divine

CA State Assembly

74th District: Laurie Davies
76th District: Kristie Bruce-Lane
77th District: No endorsement
79th District: No endorsement
80th District: Mike Williams

San Diego County

San Diego County Supervisor

District 1: Alejandro Galicia
District 2: Joel Anderson
District 3: Kevin Faulconer

Cities

City of Chula Vista

City Attorney: No Endorsement
City Council, District 3: Daniel D. Rice-Vazquez
City Council, District 4: No Endorsement

City of Carlsbad

District 4: Greg Day
District 2: Tyler Collins

City of Coronado

Mayor: John Duncan
City Council: Mark Fleming
City Council: Mark Warner

City of Del Mar

City Council: Dan Quirk

City of El Cajon

City Council, District 3: Steve Goble

City of Escondido

City Council, District 3: Christian Garcia
Escondido City Council, District 4: Judy Fitzgerald

City of Imperial Beach

City Council, District 2: Martin “Marty” Mattes

City of La Mesa

City Council: Kristine Alessio

City of Oceanside

Mayor: Ryan Keim
City Council, District 3: Laura Bassett
City Council, District 4: Peter Weiss

City of Poway

City Council, District 2: Jared Wilson
City Council, District 4: Caylin Frank

City of San Marcos

San Marcos City Council, District 3: Danielle LeBlang
City Council, District 4: Ed Musgrove

City of San Diego

Mayor: No Endorsement
City Attorney: No Endorsement
City Council, District 3: No Endorsement
City Council, District 4: No Endorsement
City Council, District 7: No Endorsement
City Council, District 9: No Endorsement

City of Santee

City of Santee, Mayor: John Minto
City Council, District 4: Dustin Trotter

City of Vista

City Council, District 3: Denisse Barragan
City Council, District 5: Jeffrey Fox

Propositions & Measures

Proposition 2: NO
Proposition 4: NO
Proposition 5: NO
Proposition 6: NO
Proposition 32: NO
Proposition 33: NO
Proposition 34: YES
Proposition 35: NO
Proposition 36: YES
Measure G: NO

District Offices

Healthcare Districts

Tri-City Healthcare District

Zone 1: Allen L. Newsome III
Zone 5: Aaron J. Byzak
Zone 7: Valerie Mitchell

Community Planning Districts

Fallbrook Community Planning Group

Lee J. De Meo

Community College School Boards

Grossmont- Cuyamaca Community College District

Trustee Area 4: Lee Quinn

Palomar Community College Board

Trustee Area 2: Yvette Marie Acosta
Trustee Area 4: Holly M. Hamilton-Bleakley

San Diego Community College District

Trustee Area D: No Endorsement

Southwestern Community College District

District 2: Erika Lowery

Unified School Districts

Carlsbad Unified School District

Trustee Area 2: Jen Belnap
Trustee 3: Laura Siaosi

Oceanside Unified School District

D2: Emily Wichmann
D5: Rosie Higuera

Poway Unified School District

Trustee Area A: Tim Dougherty
Trustee Area E: Craig Pond

Ramona Unified School District

Trustee Area 3: Dawn Perfect
Trustee Area 4: John Rajcic

Rancho Santa Fe School District

Annette Ross
Kerry Vinci

San Diego Unified School District

Trustee Area A: Crystal Trull

San Marcos Unified School Board

Trustee Area A: Brittany Bower
Trustee Area B: Heidi Herrick
Trustee Area D: Lena Lauer Meum

Vista Unified School District

Trustee Area 1: Mike “BG” Markov
Trustee Area 2: Frank Nunez
Trustee Area 5: Anthony “TJ” Crossman

Union School Districts

Alpine Union School District

Travis Lyon
Erika Simmons

Bonsall School District

Trustee Area E: Lindsay Jones

Cajon Valley Union School District

Trustee Area 5: No Endorsement
Trustee Area 4: Karen A. Mejia

Del Mar Union School District

Danielle Roybal
Alan Scott Kholos

Encinitas Union School District

Amiee Sproul
Monica Lee

Escondido Union School District

Trustee Area 3: Mark Olson

Escondido Union High School

Trustee Area 3: Christie Knight

Fallbrook Union High School District

Trustee Area 4: Joshua Tiller

Grossmont Union High School District

Trustee Area 1: Randall Lee Dear
Trustee Area 2: Scott Eckert

Lakeside Union School District

Trustee Area 2: Autumn Ellenson

Santee School Board

Seat 4: Tracie Thill

San Dieguito Union High School District

Trustee Area 2: Kelly Friis
Trustee Area 4: Michael Allman

Elementary School Districts

Chula Vista Elementary School District

Seat 2: Sharmane Estolano
Seat 4:Tanya Williams

Fallbrook Elementary School District

Trustee Area 4Maria G. Moran

Water Districts

Lakeside Water District

Division 4: Steve Robak

Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Division 2: Eric K. Armstrong
Division 5: Chris Ciepley

Otay Water District

Division 2: Ryan Keyes
Division 5: Mark Robak

Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Division 2: Robert “Bob” T. Lloyd Sr.
Division 4: Ivan Andujar

Rainbow Municipal Water District

Division 1: Lisa Hoffman
Division 3: Greg Irvine

Vallecitos Water District

Division 4: Erik Groset

Vista Irrigation District

Division 5: Jo MacKenzie
Division 4: Patrick H. Sanchez