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Measure E

Nov. 3, 2026 Election Guide

Use the above menu to navigate Santa Cruz Local’s guide to the Nov. 3 election in Santa Cruz County. Check back for updates on campaign finance, endorsements, and for additional races like the Felton Fire Protection Board of Directors, Scotts Valley Water District, and more local ballot measures.

Who we are

Santa Cruz Local is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news outlet that does not endorse candidates or take positions on ballot measures.

Read our ethics statement.

How this guide was made

Santa Cruz Local surveyed and interviewed hundreds of Santa Cruz County residents about their concerns.

Then we pressed the candidates on voters’ top issues.

Nov. 3, 2026 election

Recent election stories:

Where and how to vote

Didn’t answer your question? Send us a text at (831) 246-6418.

View a map of polling places.

Any Santa Cruz County voter can go to any voting location in the county.

Blue pins indicate polls that are open now. Gray pins indicate polls that are not yet open for voting. Click on each pin to see voting hours.

View a map of ballot drop boxes.

  • Drop off: Voters can drop off ballots at 21 outdoor drop boxes in the county marked “Santa Cruz County Official Ballot Drop Box.”
  • Walk in: Voters can drop off their ballot at any in-person voting location in the county.
  • Mail in: Registered voters received a mailed ballot with a postage paid envelope. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10 to be counted.

Register to vote here. The last day to register to vote and receive a mail ballot and voter information guide in the mail is Oct. 19. Voters can still register and vote as late as on Election Day, Nov. 3. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Ballots are expected to be mailed to registered voters beginning Oct. 5. Sign up for email or text alerts to track your ballot.

Oct. 19 is the last day to register to vote for the June 2 election and receive a ballot and voter guide in the mail. Same day voter registration and voting is available at in-person voting locations.

Las papeletas y guías de voto en español se enviarán por correo a los votantes que las hayan solicitado en su formulario de inscripción.

Para solicitar una papeleta o una guía de voto en español por correo postal o electrónico, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al 831-454-2060.

Los materiales de votación en español estarán disponibles en todos los lugares de votación.

Look up which districts you vote in by your address.

This county tool shows your districts from the state to local level based on the address where you are registered to vote.

Enter your city and your house number. Then enter the name of your street without “Street,” “Road,” “Blvd.,” etc. If using a mobile phone, hit “Enter” or “Done” rather than “Tab.” Then click or tap on your street.

  • Santa Cruz County residents can sign up before polls close on June 2 to get a ballot by email. Sign up on the county elections website.
  • You’ll need an email address, computer and printer.
  • Ballots must be returned by mail, at a drop box or a voting location.
  • Questions? 831-454-2060.

You can register to vote even if you don’t have a mailing address. The county elections website has details.

Santa Cruz Mayor
Capitola City Council
Scotts Valley City Council
Watsonville City Council
PVUSD Board of Trustees
Measure E