Coming Soon: Nov. 3, 2026 Election Guide

Santa Cruz County voters on Nov. 3 will have a packed ballot, depending on where you are registered to vote. Key races include: Santa Cruz Mayor, Scotts Valley City Council, Capitola City Council and Watsonville City Council. Voters will also decide on trustees in these school districts: Pajaro Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, Cabrillo College and Soquel Union Elementary School District. Additionally, eligible voters will get to weigh in on candidates running for director positions in the Felton Fire Protection District and the Scotts Valley Water District.

Our comprehensive election guide featuring in-depth profiles of each race will be published on Oct. 5.

Recent election stories:

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

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 June 2 and received by June 9 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 May 18. Voters can still register and vote as late as on election day, June 2. 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 May 1. Sign up for email or text alerts to track your ballot.

May 18 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.