By Raiza Giorgi

Candidates have until early August to put their name into the hat for the various races in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County. The filing period has been set to end on Aug. 7, unless the incumbent doesn’t file; in that case the deadline is extended to Aug. 12, according to Santa Barbara County Elections Office.

The Primary Election, held early in March this year, already determined that Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann will stay in her position as she won more than 50 percent plus one vote required to automatically be re-elected. The Third District represents the Santa Ynez Valley as well as other areas from Isla Vista to Guadalupe.

The November General Election will determine the President of the United States, and federal and state officials such as the local 24^th Congressional District position, where incumbent Salud Carbajal will face Andy Caldwell as they were the two top vote getters in March.

Caldwell is a well-known conservative watchdog, and is the founder of the Coalition of Agriculture, Business and Labor (COLAB) organization that represents most of the local agricultural community.

For the State Senate 19th District seat, incumbent Monique Limon will face Gary Michaels (R) as he earned the number two spot in March voting.

For local city races there are two Solvang council seats up from Daniel Johnson and Karen Waite. The Solvang mayoral seat, currently held by Ryan Toussaint, is also up. Voters will also be considering recalling Councilman Chris Djernaes who still has two years left on his term.

The Buellton mayoral position is also available as well as two council seats held by John Sanchez and Art Mercado.

Santa Barbara County debuted a new online candidate filing application and portal to accommodate limited contact because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The special district and school district candidates can also apply to file online, and be issued their filing forms electronically from home, according to the Elections Office.

There are also many positions open on local school district boards.

For more information on voting visit www.sbcvote.com.