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Santa Maria City Council — District 1
Everything you need to know about voting in the November 3, 2026 election — whether or not you've decided who to support yet.
What district am I in, and how do I find out?
Santa Maria is divided into four City Council districts. District 1 covers the city's northwest neighborhoods, District 2 the northeast, District 3 the southeast, and District 4 the southwest, roughly split around the Main Street and Broadway intersection. The easiest way to confirm your own district is the city's official district map, or by checking your voter registration status directly with Santa Barbara County.
When is Election Day, and what am I voting on?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Santa Maria voters will decide the District 1 council seat (filling the remainder of a term through November 2028), the District 3 and District 4 council seats (each a full four-year term), and Measure C2026, a local ballot measure. This is a consolidated election, held alongside the statewide general election — one ballot covers everything.
How do I register to vote, and what's the deadline?
You can register online in a few minutes at registertovote.ca.gov, or pick up a paper form at Santa Maria City Hall, the Santa Maria Public Library, or the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. Registration must be completed at least 15 days before Election Day — for November 3, 2026, that deadline is Monday, October 19, 2026. California also allows same-day conditional registration at your county elections office or a vote center if you miss that deadline.
Can I vote by mail?
Yes — since 2021, every active registered California voter automatically receives a mail ballot for every election, no request needed. You can mail it back (postage is prepaid), drop it at an official ballot drop box, or bring it to any vote center or the County Elections Office in person. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within a short window after, or dropped off in person by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Where do I vote in person if I'd rather not mail my ballot?
Santa Barbara County uses vote centers rather than traditional single-day precincts — you can vote in person at any vote center in the county, not just one assigned to your address. Locations and hours are posted closer to Election Day on the County Elections website.
What is Measure C2026?
Measure C2026 is a local ballot measure asking Santa Maria voters to approve a half-cent transaction and use tax to fund general city services — including parks and recreation, the aquatic center, the public library, youth programs, and street and road maintenance. The city estimates it would generate about $13 million a year, with required independent audits and oversight. It's a separate, non-partisan measure — not tied to any council candidate.
Why is this a special election for a partial term?
The District 1 seat became vacant in March 2026 when then-Councilmember Carlos Escobedo resigned after moving outside the district. The City Council appointed an interim representative to serve until this November's election, when voters decide who finishes the remainder of the term — through November 2028.
Why is District 1 having an election this year, but District 2 isn't?
Santa Maria's four council districts elect on two staggered four-year cycles: Districts 1 and 2 vote together (2020, 2024, 2028), and Districts 3 and 4 vote together (2018, 2022, 2026) — which is why 2026's regularly scheduled races are District 3 and District 4. District 1 is on this year's ballot as an exception: when the seat became vacant mid-term in March 2026, state law requires the vacancy to be filled at the next available general election rather than waiting until 2028. District 2's current term doesn't end until 2028, so it isn't up this cycle.
Is this the same election as the presidential or statewide races?
Yes — Santa Maria's municipal election is consolidated with California's statewide general election, so it's all one ballot on November 3, 2026, covering local, state, and any federal races on the ballot that year, alongside Measure C2026 and the council races.
What does a Santa Maria City Councilmember actually do?
Santa Maria uses a council-manager form of government. The five-member council (four district members plus an at-large mayor) sets policy and budget priorities for the city, while a professionally appointed City Manager runs day-to-day operations and city staff. Councilmembers are elected by district, but historically have governed with a citywide perspective — decisions like the budget affect the whole city, not just one district.