City Election Is On

The city’s odd-year elections are meant to focus attention on local issues, and this year’s election by district is bringing the scrutiny down to the neighborhood level. Ballots went out on October 5 to voters in Districts 1, 2, and 3 — or the Eastside, Mesa, and Westside, respectively — and they’re due back by November 3. One City Council victor per district will be elected in the by-mail-only election, and the city included postage-prepaid envelopes with each ballot in the hope of getting them back early. For those who like to wait until the last minute, mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. The other three city districts — 4, 5, and 6 — will vote in the next city election, in November 2017, which is when the next mayor will also be chosen by all voters.

Four drop-off locations will open for voters who want to deliver their ballot by hand: On Saturday, October 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., voters may drop off ballots at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street. City Hall will also take ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Ballots can also be deposited from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day at Franklin Neighborhood Center, 1136 East Montecito Street; Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1740 Cliff Drive; and Calvary Baptist Church 736 West Islay Street.

The City Clerk’s Office can answer questions at (805) 564-5309, or voters can go to SBCityVote.org for more information.