LOS BANOS, CA (August 11th, 2025) – Los Banos District 1 residents have until today, Monday, August 11, 2025, to register in order to receive a mail-in ballot for the upcoming special election scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The special election will fill the vacant District 1 City Council seat left open earlier this year following Kenneth Lambert’s resignation.
Registration can be completed today online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov, by mailing in a voter registration form postmarked today, or by visiting the Merced County Elections Office in person at 2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Residents who have already registered but have not received their mail-in ballot should immediately contact the Merced County Elections Office at (209) 385-7541 for assistance.
If you miss today’s deadline, you will no longer be able to register online. Instead, you can register through Conditional Voter Registration, which is only available in person at the Elections Office, a vote center, or designated location. Under this process, you must register and cast your ballot at the same time. Conditional registration begins tomorrow, August 12, and continues through Election Day.
Two candidates are vying for the District 1 seat: Mitzy Perez, a UC Merced graduate with a finance background, is campaigning on managed growth, infrastructure improvements, and expanded recreational opportunities. Kalid Sanchez, also a UC Merced alumnus and small-business owner, is focused on creating community-based solutions.
This election is seen as pivotal for Los Banos, as the winner will help guide city policy on housing, economic development, and public services at a time of rapid growth and change.
For more information on registering to vote, tracking your ballot, or locating ballot drop-off sites, visit the Merced County Elections Office website at www.MercedElections.org.
