Races on the Nov. 3 ballot include city council seats in Capitola, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local file/CatchLight Local)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY>>  As Election Day on Nov. 3 grows closer, Santa Cruz Local is starting to create our free, nonpartisan election guide for local races. We’re beginning like we always do — by asking residents what they need from their elected leaders, what changes you want to see and what helps you decide who to vote for. 

Take our five-minute survey about the local issues that matters most to you. The survey is open until Aug. 28. 

Your responses will help inform the questions we ask candidates for local office. In early October, we’ll report back on what they told us. 

Competitive races on the November ballot include:

  • Santa Cruz Mayor.
  • Two seats on the Watsonville City Council.
  • Two seats on the Scotts Valley City Council.
  • Three seats on the Capitola City Council.
  • School board seats in Pajaro Valley Unified School District, San Lorenzo Valley School District, and Soquel Unified School district. 
  • A Cabrillo Community College District trustee.
  • Two directors for Felton Fire Protection District.

See more details on upcoming races.

Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Santa Cruz Local is supported by members, major donors, sponsors and grants for the general support of our newsroom. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Learn more about Santa Cruz Local and how we are funded.

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Reporter

Jesse Kathan is a staff reporter for Santa Cruz Local. They hold a master's degree in science communications from UC Santa Cruz.