Today Turlock is hosting its’ first ever by-district election for City Council on Nov. 8.
In 2014, Measure A passed and it established electoral districts for the election of members of the Turlock City Council by districts as well as the election of the Mayor of Turlock at-large as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities. 
Two City Council seats are up for grabs in District 2 and District 4 of Turlock. District 1 and District 4 council seats will be voted on in 2018. 
The City Treasurer seat will also be voted on. Candidates for that position include Diana Lewis who currently serves as the Turlock City Treasurer and has been for 16 years.
Newcomer Alex Paul Kiehl is challenging the incumbent for her seat in this current election. Kiehl is currently working as a bookkeeper for Turlock. 
Only voters who live in a designated district shall be eligible to vote in the election for Council members to represent them on the Turlock City Council. 
Donald Babadalir, Amy Bublak and Steven Nascimento are running for the District 4 City Council seat.
Bublak and Nascimento currently serve on the City Council.
Dr. Nancy Hudspeth (Public Administration professor) is a District 4 Turlock resident. She believes that Nascimento will win because he has been a District 4 resident for a while therefore, better understanding the needs of his district.
She also highlights how Nascimento has made creating safer routes a priority in his campaign. 
“Our students may have children who attend schools in Turlock and would appreciate safer school routes,” Hudspeth said.  
Babadalir previously ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2014. He currently works as a political advisor and analyst.
First time candidates Jaime Franco and Gil Esquer are running for the District 2 City Council seat. Franco is a car salesman while Esquer is a notary public.
Hudspeth encourages California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) students to be involved and active community members, even after the election.
“It’s not over when the election ends, there should be an ongoing dialogue between elected Council members and Turlock residents,” Hudspeth said.
These new district elections have proven an important point, local politics are crucial. Having separate districts makes each council member heavily responsible for their district. The topics of road repair, sidewalk safety, water supply, homelessness and public safety are some that are being tackled by the running candidates. 
Most if not all of the candidates from both Districts recognize the importance of young voters. Nascimento, Bublak and Esquer were interviewed by the Central Valley Politics Podcast hosted by our campus newspaper, The Signal and our campus radio station, KCSS at Stan State.
“I think they [students and younger voters]should be engaged. I think college students bring a perspective that is unique. We need the input of our college students in order to create the kind of community that they want to live in,” Nascimento said.  
Bublak highlighted the importance of involving college students in Turlock events as she talked about Warrior Wednesday, an event that encourages students to explore downtown Turlock.
“I love Turlock. So I want you guys to experience what I know is awesome. We’ve got a downtown. We want you to go and be a part of our environment,” Bublak said.  
Esquer made a compelling argument for all voters.
“If you want to change what’s happening you have to get involved. Never let apathy get in the way. Never let them take away your vote. That’s my advice to everyone. The vote is yours,” Esquer said. 
To learn more information about the candidates you can visit their websites or Facebook pages.
To check what district in Turlock you live in, click here.
Have your voice be heard, go out and vote to make a difference in your community.