Carlsbad voters will find five local races on their Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election ballots starting the week of Monday, Oct. 5.
San Diego County began mailing more than 2 million ballots Saturday, Oct. 3, the county announced Friday, Oct. 2. Some voters may receive ballots before Oct. 5. Under the California Voters Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County receives a ballot by mail.
What's in the packet
Each ballot packet includes voting instructions, a two-card ballot with front and back pages and an "I Voted" sticker. Voters can choose which contests to vote on.
How to return your ballot
The county offers three options:
- By mail. No postage required. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Registrar of Voters must receive mailed ballots within seven days of Election Day for them to count.
- Ballot drop box. More than 150 red, white and blue steel boxes labeled "Official Ballot Drop Box" opened countywide Sunday, Oct. 4. Ballots must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
- Vote center. Select locations open Saturday, Oct. 24, with all locations open Saturday, Oct. 31. Centers operate 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. before Election Day. On Nov. 3, all vote centers and drop boxes are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In-person voting opens Monday, Oct. 5, at the Registrar of Voters office, 5600 Overland Ave. in Kearny Mesa, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
After marking selections, voters must seal the ballot in the postage-paid return envelope, then date and sign it. The signature is required for the ballot to count.
What's on Carlsbad's ballot
According to the city's official notice of nominees, Carlsbad's races include:
- Mayor: Bill Arsenault, Keith Blackburn, Eric Nixon and Stephen Banister
- City Council District 1: Nate Larson vs. Melanie Burkholder
- City Council District 3: Priya Bhat-Patel vs. Wayland T. Lim
- City Treasurer: Christian Peacox vs. Thomas E. Krouse
- City Clerk: Sherry Freisinger (unopposed)
Carlsbad Chamber voter guide
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce released its 2026 Voter Resource Guide on Thursday, Oct. 1, covering candidates seeking local office, the Chamber announced. The guide is also available in the October issue of the Carlsbad Business Journal, on stands around town and at carlsbad.org.
Track your ballot
Voters can track when their ballot is mailed, received and counted through the California Secretary of State's tracking service at california.ballottrax.net/voter/. For more election information, visit sdvote.com or call 858-565-5800.
