Voting has begun in the special CVUSD election in Imperial County, aimed at filling three trustee positions for four years. Mail-in ballots were distributed to registered voters on February 3, for the elections on March 4. The six candidates include both incumbents and challengers across three trustee areas, amidst concerns about residency issues and campaign finance disclosures.
Voting for a special election in the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has commenced in Imperial County. This election aims to fill three Board of Trustees positions for a four-year term. Registered voters received mail-in ballots on February 3, to participate in this election scheduled for March 4, following issues with ballot omissions in the general election on November 5.
Six candidates are competing for three available seats on the seven-member CVUSD board, with all incumbents facing challengers. The candidates for the contested positions include:
– Trustee Area 1 (Coachella): Agustín Arreola challenges Trinidad “Trini” Arredondo, who is seeking a second term obtained in 2020.
– Trustee Area 2 (Thermal): Altrena Santillanes takes on Jesus Gonzalez, serving on the board since 2020.
– Trustee Area 4 (Mecca and North Shore): Adrian Rodriguez is competing against incumbent Jocelyn Vargas, who was elected unopposed in 2020.
The CVUSD teachers’ union has endorsed Arredondo, Santillanes, and Rodriguez.
Particular attention is directed towards Trustee Area 4, where questions regarding Vargas’s residency have arisen, prompting a formal complaint to be filed with the District Attorney’s office.
Candidates and political action committees are required to disclose contributions exceeding $1,000 within 24 hours to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. Interested parties can access these financial reports at the provided link.
In conclusion, the ongoing special election within the Coachella Valley Unified School District is critical, especially with three trustee positions at stake. The election process has garnered attention due to unresolved issues from the previous election, particularly concerning residency disputes and financial disclosures. The outcome of this election will significantly influence the district’s governance and future direction.
Original Source: ukenreport.com
