Are You Ready for the 2026 Election? Discover the Shocking Truth About Voter Power!

Riverside is gearing up for significant changes in its local governance as residents prepare to vote for City Council representatives in Wards 2, 4, and 6 during the upcoming primary election scheduled for June 2, 2026. This election will be particularly notable as it marks the first time voters in these even-numbered wards will cast ballots under newly drawn district boundaries adopted in 2023. If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote during the primary, a runoff election will take place on November 3, 2026.

The Raincross Gazette is committed to providing voters with comprehensive coverage leading up to the election. This includes interviews with candidates as they announce their campaigns, candidate profiles, analysis of ward-specific races, and valuable voting resources. Regular updates will ensure voters have the information they need, with coverage expanding significantly in early 2026 as the election date approaches.

Upcoming Election Timeline

• May 4, 2026: County begins mailing ballots to all registered voters.
• May 5, 2026: Ballot drop-off locations open countywide.
• May 18, 2026: Last day to register to vote for the June primary (in-person same-day voter registration will be available at vote centers).
• May 23, 2026: Early in-person voting begins at vote centers in Riverside County.
• June 2, 2026: Primary Election Day, when vote centers will be open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this date or dropped off by 8 p.m.
• November 3, 2026: Runoff election, if necessary.

Voters can find their ward by visiting riversideca.gov/vote and check their voter registration status at voteinfo.net.

City Council Candidates

Riverside will see competition for three City Council seats in 2026, with candidates currently filing to run. Below are the details for each ward:

Ward 2

The Ward 2 seat is open following the decision of incumbent Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes to pursue a bid for State Assembly District 58 instead of seeking re-election. This has attracted four candidates to the race. The newly drawn boundaries for Ward 2 encompass the University neighborhood, Hunter Park, Canyon Crest, Sycamore Canyon, and Mission Grove.

Candidates:

Full Ward 2 coverage and candidate comparisons will be available in early 2026. Residents are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates.

Ward 4

In Ward 4, incumbent Councilmember Chuck Conder, who has held the seat since 2017, is facing a fresh set of challengers in his re-election campaign. Conder previously won a 56% majority against a single challenger in 2021. The new boundaries for Ward 4 now include Alessandro Heights, Mission Grove, Orangecrest, and the Greenbelt.

Candidates:

• Chuck Conder – Incumbent, no website yet; interview coming soon.
• Jessica Qattawi – Announced on social media; interview coming soon.
• Rich Vandenberg - vandenbergforriverside.com

Full Ward 4 coverage and candidate comparisons will be provided in early 2026. Residents are invited to share questions for the candidates.

Ward 6

The Ward 6 seat will also be contested, as three-term Councilmember Jim Perry has announced he will not seek re-election. Perry won his last election unopposed in 2021. The new boundaries for Ward 6 now encompass Arlanza, La Sierra, La Sierra Hills, La Sierra South, and portions of Arlington.

Candidates:

• Luis Hernandez – Filed with the city; interview coming soon.
• Ox Puerta – Filed with the city; interview coming soon.

Comprehensive coverage and candidate comparisons for Ward 6 will be available in early 2026. Residents are encouraged to submit any questions they may have for the candidates.

This election not only holds significance for the immediate participants but also reflects broader trends in local governance as voters adapt to new district boundaries and engage with candidates vying for their representation. By preparing ahead of time and staying informed, Riverside residents can make their voices heard in this critical election cycle.