By City Manager Ken Striplin
Every election is an opportunity to shape the future of our community. While it can be easy to assume that one vote will not make a difference, local elections often come down to small margins, making every ballot incredibly important. The decisions made by your elected representatives affect the services you rely on every day—from public safety and road maintenance to parks, recreation, libraries and infrastructure. Voting is one of the most meaningful ways to participate in your community, and I encourage every eligible resident to make a plan to cast a ballot this November.
This year marks an important milestone as Santa Clarita continues its transition to district-based elections. The November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election will be the City’s second by-district election.
Under the district election system, voters elect one City Councilmember who lives in and represents their district. During this election, registered voters who live in Districts 2, 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to elect a Councilmember to serve a four-year term. District 2 covers the western edge of our City through parts of Saugus. District 4 includes the areas in the northeast part of the City along Bouquet Canyon Road and north of Copper Hill Drive, while District 5 covers the very eastern part of our City, including Sand Canyon. As part of the City’s staggered election cycle, Districts 1 and 3 will next appear on the ballot in November 2028.
If you’re unsure which district you live in, now is the perfect time to find out. Knowing your district will help ensure you’re informed about the candidates who will appear on your ballot and the issues that directly affect your neighborhood. The City has made resources available to help residents determine their district and better understand how district elections work. For an interactive district map and address lookup tool, visit SantaClarita.gov/District-Elections.
Whether you are casting your first ballot or have voted in every election for decades, your participation matters. Local government works best when residents stay informed, ask questions and make their voices heard. Our City Council makes decisions that influence the quality of life in Santa Clarita for years to come, and those decisions begin with the voters.
As Election Day approaches, I encourage you to learn about the candidates, verify your voter registration, understand your district and make a plan to vote on November 3. Democracy depends on participation, and strong communities are built by engaged residents.
Your vote is your voice. Please take the time to use it.
For more information on the upcoming General Municipal Election, past elections, current candidates, as well as information on the election process, visit SantaClarita.gov/Elections.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at KStriplin@santaclarita.gov.
