San Diego, CA – Over 370,000 mail ballots are being distributed this week to registered voters in San Diego County’s First Supervisorial District, marking the commencement of the special primary election scheduled for April 8, 2025.
Election Overview
This special election aims to fill the vacancy left by former Chair Nora Vargas, who resigned unexpectedly in December after securing re-election in November. The elected supervisor will serve the remainder of the term, concluding in January 2029. Candidates vying for the position include:
• John McCann – Mayor of Chula Vista
• Carolina Chavez – Deputy Mayor of Chula Vista
• Paloma Aguirre – Mayor of Imperial Beach
• Vivian Moreno – San Diego City Councilmember
If no candidate secures a majority vote on April 8, the top two vote-getters will proceed to a special general election on July 1, 2025.
District 1 Boundaries
District 1 encompasses a diverse region, stretching from the Pacific Ocean eastward to the Otay and San Miguel mountains, and from Barrio Logan southward to the U.S.-Mexico border. The district includes the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, and various communities within the City of San Diego, such as Barrio Logan, East Village, and Golden Hill. Additionally, it covers unincorporated areas like Bonita, East Otay Mesa, Lincoln Acres, Sunnyside, and La Presa.
Voting Options
Voters have multiple avenues to cast their ballots:
• Mail-In Voting: Complete the ballot at home and return it via the U.S. Postal Service. Ensure the return envelope is signed and dated; signatures are mandatory for vote validation.
• Ballot Drop Boxes: Starting Tuesday, March 11, 29 official ballot drop boxes will be available throughout the district for ballot submission.
• In-Person Voting: Early voting begins Monday, March 10, at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa, operating weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, seven vote centers will open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Saturday, March 29. On Election Day, April 8, 13 vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Key Dates
• March 10, 2025: Mail ballots distribution and early voting commence.
• March 11, 2025: Ballot drop boxes become operational.
• March 24, 2025: Voter registration deadline.
• March 29, 2025: Vote centers open for early in-person voting.
• April 8, 2025: Election Day.
Voter Resources
Residents uncertain about their District 1 residency can verify their status using the district lookup tool provided by the Registrar of Voters. For comprehensive information on voting options, ballot drop box locations, vote center addresses, and other election-related inquiries, voters are encouraged to visit the official Registrar of Voters website at sdvote.com.
This election presents a pivotal opportunity for District 1 residents to select a representative who will address pressing issues such as the Tijuana sewage crisis, homelessness, and cost of living challenges. Active participation is crucial to ensure that the elected supervisor reflects the community’s priorities and values.
