Local leadership. Essential services. Your voice.

This November, eligible voters will choose board members for the Montecito Fire Protection District, Montecito Sanitary District, and Montecito Union School District. This guide shares candidate information for those races, along with resources for following the work of Montecito Water District.

The Montecito Association is helping residents understand local governance, learn about their candidates, and participate in decisions that affect our community. The contests on your ballot depend on your registered address and district boundaries.

This page is a community voter education resource. Inclusion of a candidate does not constitute an endorsement by the Montecito Association.

Why These Elections Matter

Special districts provide essential services within defined geographic boundaries. Their governing boards make decisions that shape the services residents depend on.

Montecito Fire provides firefighting, emergency medical response, rescue services, and wildfire prevention and preparedness programs. Its elected board governs the district.

Montecito Sanitary provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, protecting public health and the environment.

Learning about the candidates is an opportunity to consider how these services should be supported and guided in the years ahead.

Montecito Fire Protection District

Five candidates are running for two director seats. Vote for no more than two candidates in this contest.

Learn more about the district’s services, governing board, and public meetings at Montecito Fire.

Montecito Sanitary District

There are two separate Sanitary District contests. Review each contest and its voting instructions carefully.

Director — Two Seats

Three candidates are running for two director seats. Vote for no more than two candidates in this contest.

Director — Short Term — One Seat

Two candidates are running for one short-term director seat. Vote for no more than one candidate in this contest.

Learn more about wastewater services, district information, and public meetings at Montecito Sanitary District.

Montecito Union School District

Four candidates are running for three governing board seats. Vote for no more than three candidates in this contest.

School board leadership helps shape the direction of public education in our community. California school boards work with their superintendent to guide district priorities and make decisions that serve students.

Candidates are listed alphabetically. Names and descriptions are drawn from the Santa Barbara County Elections Division’s candidate list printed September 9, 2026.

When reviewing candidates, consider their priorities for student learning, financial stewardship, and communication with families and the broader community.

Montecito Water District

Water district leadership plays an important role in our community’s long-term planning. Montecito Water District is governed by five publicly elected directors who serve staggered four-year terms. The board is responsible for district policies and decision-making, and its meetings are open to the public.

Election information: Montecito Water District is not included in the September 9 candidate list used for this guide. Please consult Santa Barbara County Elections for confirmation of its November 2026 election status and any applicable candidate information.

Residents can stay informed about the district’s work, review meeting materials, and participate in public meetings:

• Montecito Water District

• Board of Directors

• Santa Barbara County Elections

Learn About Your Choices

Before completing your ballot, review the candidate statements available in your County Voter Information Guide and any information provided directly by the candidates.

Questions to consider include:

• What experience would each candidate bring to the board?

• What priorities would they pursue?

• How would they approach financial stewardship and future service needs?

• How would they communicate with residents and encourage public participation?

Candidate descriptions above are reproduced from County election filings. They are not assessments of qualifications by the Montecito Association.

Important Election Dates

• October 5, 2026: County elections officials begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots by this date.

• October 19, 2026: Deadline for standard online voter registration.

• November 3, 2026: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; ballots delivered in person must be returned by 8 p.m. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

Check Your Ballot and Make a Plan to Vote

The contests on your ballot depend on your registered address and district boundaries. Refer to your official ballot and County Voter Information Guide to confirm which races you are eligible to vote in.

Follow the instructions on your ballot, including the maximum number of candidates you may select in each contest. Remember to sign your vote-by-mail return envelope.

Use these official resources to prepare:

• Santa Barbara County Elections: Local election information, voting locations, and ballot return resources.

• Register to Vote: Register or update your registration.

• Check Your Voter Registration: Confirm your registration information.

• Track Your Ballot: Sign up for ballot status notifications.

For local election questions, contact Santa Barbara County Elections at (805) 568-2200 or (800) 722-8683.

An Informed Community Starts With You

The Montecito Association encourages residents to learn about their candidates, follow the work of our special districts, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Know your candidates. Know your districts. Make your vote count.

Candidate information is based on the Santa Barbara County Elections Division’s qualified contest/candidate list printed September 9, 2026. Candidates are listed alphabetically within each contest; this may differ from ballot order. Consult County Elections and your official ballot for final information.