San Bernardino Voters Will Head to Polls November 3
Residents will cast ballots in the city council general election following the June primary results.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Do you trust your local government to manage city tax dollars transparently?
San Bernardino voters will participate in the city council general election on November 3, 2026. The upcoming contest follows a primary election held on June 2, 2026, which narrowed the field of candidates.
Why it matters
The election will determine the future direction of the San Bernardino City Council, as candidates seek to address local governance and priorities in wards including the First, Second, and Fourth districts.
In the June 2 primary, Joseph Salas finished 218 votes ahead of Fred Shorett. Candidates Theodore Sanchez and Sandra Ibarra were defeated in that same primary round.
The players
Joseph Salas
He is a candidate for the San Bernardino City Council who led in the primary election voting.
Fred Shorett
He is an incumbent council member who has held his city council seat for 17 years.
Ron Alvarado
He is a candidate for city council who has pledged to conduct a forensic audit if he wins the election.
Virginia Marquez
She is a former city council member who served in the role from 2010 until 2018.
Benito Barrios
He is a former city council member who served in the role from 2014 until 2018.
The details
The upcoming general election will feature candidates vying for seats that were previously held by officials such as Virginia Marquez and Benito Barrios, who served until 2018. During the campaign, candidate Ron Alvarado has proposed conducting a citywide forensic audit if he is elected.
Timeline
Virginia Marquez served on the City Council from 2010 to 2018.
Benito Barrios served on the City Council from 2014 to 2018.
The San Bernardino primary election was held on June 2, 2026.
Early voting begins on October 5, 2026.
The general election concludes on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Some residents and local advocacy groups have pushed for increased fiscal oversight, leading to proposals like forensic audits that contrast with the current council establishment. This shift mirrors broader debates regarding municipal transparency in cities undergoing financial restructuring.
Residents should prepare for the start of early voting on October 5, when ballots become available. Eligible voters must ensure their registration is current to participate in the final decision on November 3.
The takeaway
The November general election represents a significant shift for the city as voters weigh long-term incumbency against new policy proposals. Residents should review the candidates' platforms regarding the future of revitalization efforts in the Highland and Baseline corridors.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming races, visit the Elections section of our site.
More information
To find your polling place or view candidate information, visit the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Bernardino Sun.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local government to manage city tax dollars transparently?
