Strong communities depend on people who are willing to step forward and serve. That’s why it’s so important for thoughtful, dedicated residents to consider running for local offices such as city council, school board, fire protection district, community services district, utility district, and other special district boards.
These local offices make decisions that directly affect our daily lives—from public safety and emergency services to clean water, roads, parks, schools, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The people elected to these positions shape the quality of life in our communities more than many realize.
Serving in local government is an opportunity to give back, solve problems, represent your neighbors, help ensure that decisions are made with integrity, transparency, and common sense. Local government works best when it reflects the experience, knowledge, and values of the people it serves.
The need for engaged, capable local leaders has never been greater. If you care about your community, don’t wait for someone else to step up—take the first step yourself. Attend a local government meeting, learn about open seats and upcoming elections, talk with current officials, and explore what it takes to run for office. Your voice, your perspective, and your willingness to serve can help build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for everyone.
To Retirees:
You bring knowledge, experience, and perspective after years of building careers raising families, solving problems, and volunteering. You have the flexibility to attend meetings, study issues, listen to residents, and make informed decisions. Running for local office isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to serve, work with others, and represent the interests of your neighbors. Help pass on wisdom to the next generation.
To those in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s:
You are in the middle of building careers, getting educated, raising families. You understand firsthand the challenges of balancing work, family, education, housing, transportation, public safety, and the rising cost-of-living. These real-life experiences bring valuable perspectives to local government. You don’t need to be a career politician to make a difference. What matters most is a willingness to listen, learn, collaborate, and serve with integrity. If you care about where you live, now is the time to consider stepping forward. Your community needs leaders who understand today’s challenges and are willing to help build tomorrow’s solutions.
Important Dates for Candidates
- Monday, July 13 – Friday, August 7: Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Period
- Friday, August 7: Candidate Statement Deadline for County Voter Information Guide (County, Senate, and Assembly)
Local Offices on the November 3 Ballot
- Sonora City Council: 2 positions
- School Boards
- Tuolumne County Board of Education: Trustee Areas 1, 4, 6, 7
- Belleview School District: 3 positions
- Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District: 3 positions
- Columbia Union School District: 3 positions
- Curtis Creek School District: 4 positions
- Jamestown School District: 3 positions
- Sonora Elementary School District: 4 positions
- Sonora Union High School District: 3 positions – Trustee Areas 1, 2; 1 at-large
- Soulsbyville School District: 3 positions
- Summerville Elementary: 3 positions
- Summerville Union High School District: 3 positions
- Twain Harte School District: 3 positions
- Yosemite Community College District: Trustee Area 1
- Fire Protection Districts
- Columbia Fire Protection District: 3 positions
- Jamestown Fire Protection District: 2 positions
- Mi-Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District: 4 positions
- Strawberry Fire Protection District: 3 positions
- Tuolumne Fire District: 4 positions
- Community Services Utilities and Other Districts
- Lake Don Pedro Community Services District: 2 positions
- Groveland Community Services District: 3 positions
- Jamestown Sanitary District: 4 positions
- Tuolumne Park and Recreation District: 3 positions
- Tuolumne Sanitary District: 2 positions
- Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD): Districts 1, 2, 4
- Twain Harte Community Services District: 2 positions
For questions, contact the Tuolumne County Elections Office.
Donald McNair, Auditor/Registrar of Voters
Joshua Roberts, Assistant County Clerk – Elections
Kim Questo, Counter Clerk
Physical Address: 2 S. Green St., Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-533-5570
Fax: 209-694-8931
Email:elections@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov