November 3, 2026
How the Ward 3 Election Works
One seat on the East Bay Regional Park District Board is on your ballot this fall. Here's the map, the dates, and how it all works — in plain language, straight from the District's own election notice.
What's on the Ballot
The East Bay Regional Park District — 126,000 acres of parks and trails across Alameda and Contra Costa counties — is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. Each director represents one ward and serves a four-year term, with elections staggered every two years.
This November, the Ward 3 seat is open: the incumbent is retiring, and Ward 3 voters will choose a new director. The Board a director sits on decides budgets, wildfire and vegetation work, trail projects, and how welcoming the parks are to everyone. It's a small ballot line with a big footprint.
Is Your Home in Ward 3?
From the District's official 2026 Notice of Election, Ward 3 comprises the election precincts of:
"Castro Valley, Fairview, a portion of Fremont, a portion of Hayward, a portion of San Lorenzo, and Union City. This ward is within Alameda County."
Note the phrase "a portion of." Ward lines follow election precincts, not city limits — two neighbors in Hayward or Fremont can live in different wards. The sure way to know is your own ballot: if the Ward 3 race is on it, you're in. You can also see the full seven-ward district map or look up your address with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.
Only Ward 3 Chooses This Seat
Park District directors are elected by ward, not district-wide. Under California law, only the voters of a ward vote for that ward's director (Public Resources Code § 5527). If you live in Ward 3, this choice belongs to you and your neighbors specifically — nobody in Oakland or Walnut Creek votes on it.
The race appears on the same ballot as everything else this November: the election is consolidated with the statewide general election, so there's no separate ballot to request.
Three Dates That Matter
Ballots Go Out
Every registered voter receives a ballot by mail, and official ballot drop-off locations open the same day. You can vote from your kitchen table the day it arrives.
Registration Deadline
Last day to register online at registertovote.ca.gov. Miss it? California still lets you register and vote conditionally, in person, through Election Day.
Election Day
Polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day count. Then the counties canvass the returns and certify the results.
Your Ballot Speaks Your Language
Alameda County provides official ballots and Voter Information Guides in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, and can help by phone in each. This site follows the same spirit — everything here is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog, because a candidate asking for your vote should be understandable in your language.
Two minutes, right now: check whether you're registered at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov — or register at registertovote.ca.gov. Everything else on this page only matters if you're on the rolls.
Follow the Campaign
Trail photos, campaign updates, and the occasional very good dog.