This public letter was contributed Francisco Diaz, County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters San Benito County. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aqui.

Dear San Benito County Voter,

Elections are moments of great change and importance. Sometimes, they are planned far in advance, and other times, they come as a surprise. This is one of those surprising moments.

I’m writing to you today about a special statewide election scheduled for November 4, 2025.

This isn’t a regular election, and it’s unlike any we’ve seen in a long time. The California Legislature has approved a measure to redraw congressional boundaries, and you, the voters, have the final say on whether to approve the new map.

This is more than just a procedural change. It’s a fundamental decision about how our community is represented in Congress. The Elections Department does not have a role in creating these maps; our role is to be the impartial guide for this critical process. My team and I are the “umpires” on the field, ensuring the game is played fairly and securely, so every single one of your voices can be heard clearly.

Working with Less Resources: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
I feel it is important to be transparent with you about the challenges we are facing. Our county is dealing with a significant budget deficit, which has led to tough decisions, including staff reductions. This special election adds an unplanned financial and logistical burden on top of that.

Imagine planning a major event for the entire county in under 75 days, with a team that has already been asked to do more with less. That’s our reality. We’re facing three major hurdles:

– The Clock is Ticking: Normal election preparation takes months for everything from ballot design and printing to mailing and staffing. Our compressed timeline means our team is working overtime to ensure everything is ready on time.
– The Budget Squeeze: A countywide election is a significant, unbudgeted expense. We are working creatively to find every possible efficiency, but this unplanned cost comes at a time when our county is already focused on saving money.
– A Call for Public Support: This election is getting a lot of attention. We know you may have strong feelings about the outcome, but our team must remain nonpartisan. We are committed to running an accurate and accessible election, but we need your help to make it a success.

Be Our Partner in Democracy

Despite these challenges, our commitment to you is unwavering. We will run a transparent and accurate election. We are a community, and this is a moment where we can work together.

Here’s what you can do to get engaged and help us out:
– Watch Your Mailbox: In the coming weeks, you will receive important information from our office about key dates, including registration deadlines, vote-by-mail ballots, and vote center locations. Look for our official postcards so you don’t miss it!
– Become a Digital Elector: To help us conserve precious resources like paper and postage, please use our official website as your primary source of information. Visit us at https://www.sanbenitocounty-ca-cre.gov/elections It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get your questions answered and stay up to date. You can also call us at (831) 636-4016 with any questions.

Thank you for your continued trust. We are ready to tackle this challenge head-on, and we are counting on your partnership to make this a successful election.

Let’s do this, San Benito County!

Respectfully,
Francisco Diaz
County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters San Benito County

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