This commentary was contributed by San Benito County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters Francisco Diaz. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Dear Residents of San Benito County,

We are excited to share that the candidate nomination period for the upcoming November 5, 2024, election cycle officially began on July 15th. This marks a momentous occasion in our community as we encourage those with a passion for public service to visit the Elections Office and pick up their nomination papers.

Filing your nomination papers typically takes between 30 minutes, and no appointment is necessary. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help and can schedule an appointment to assist you before you make your final decision. Rest assured, all candidate information remains strictly confidential until nomination papers are completed.

This election cycle promises to be vibrant and engaging, with over 50 individuals expected to step forward to participate in this essential civic duty. Running for office is not just a responsibility but a privilege that embodies the heart of our community. On behalf of the Elections Office, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all prospective candidates.

In this election, we will be electing representatives for various districts and councils, including school districts, water districts, healthcare districts, fire districts, and city councils. These local offices are crucial to our community’s future, shaping the neighborhoods we call home.

We understand that deciding to run for office can be a significant decision, particularly in these uncertain times. Please know that our local Elections Office is dedicated to making this process as smooth and transparent as possible. For more details on running for office, visit our Elections Office website at www.sanbenitocounty-ca-cre.gov.

Following the closure of the nomination period on August 9th, we will proudly publish the names and contact information of all qualified candidates on our website. This step is part of our commitment to transparency and fostering informed participation in our local elections.

On behalf of the Elections staff, I want to emphasize that we are here to serve you, our neighbors and friends. Together, we can ensure a successful local election that truly represents the values and aspirations of our community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this important announcement.

Warm regards,
Francisco Diaz
County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters