Candidate Deadline Fast Approaches Ahead of November Election

Published Aug 6, 2026 12:43 pm

Tuolumne County Elections Office - Vote

Sonora, CA — As it stands right now, several uncontested local races will be on the ballot during the November General Election.

The filing deadline is at the end of business this Friday, August 7.

Some of the contests will include school boards, special districts, and city council. Many of the races have fewer candidates than seats. Click here for the current list of candidates in Tuolumne County and Click here for the current candidates in Calaveras County.

Some of the races will be competitive. One is likely to be the Sonora City Council race, as at least three prospective candidates have taken out papers to run for two seats. They include both incumbents, Andy Merrill and Mark Plummer, along with former councilman Jim Garaventa. Merrill is the only one who has completed all of the paperwork at this time, according to the Tuolumne County Elections Office.

The Summerville High School Board of Trustees has four candidates qualified for the ballot, seeking three open seats. They are incumbents Chantal Fowler, Kurt Bayers, and Randy Richter, along with challenger Casey Kerns.

The Groveland Community Services District Board has at least five candidates seeking three open seats. They are incumbents John Armstrong and Robert Swan, retired CPA Bruce Thompson, retired corporate officer Donald Felts, and community volunteer Bruce Dudley.

There are three open TUD seats, and only one is currently contested. In Division One, incumbent Ron Ringen is being challenged by community volunteer Tom Crosby. The lone candidate currently running in Division Two is incumbent Carol Reel, and in Division Four is newcomer Errin Bass.

While the filing deadline closes at the end of business on Friday, if an incumbent is not seeking re-election, it is extended until Wednesday, August 12.