Voters in four Valley counties are electing a new representative for State Senate District 16.
The race is between Republican Andy Vidak of Kings County and Democrat Leticia Perez of Kern County.
The special election spans four counties and carries a $4 million price tag for taxpayers.
After two months of preparations, elections officials and the candidates themselves are ready.
Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez says the extra time between the primary election and runoff has allowed her to make herself more well known to voters, and spread her campaign message of hope and positivity. "I believe in our families. I believe in the kind of policies that help people work, help people bridge the gap in their education or skill level, cutting back regulations, streamline the process for our businesses and bringing more water to the Valley. All of this for our economic growth," said Perez.
Kings County cherry grower, Andy Vidak says his team has intensity and he is ready to bring a much needed change to the State Capital. "You know, Sacramento, 89% of those lawmakers have never been in the private sector and it's time to send a small businessman and a farmer up there with a common sense approach who understands business," said Vidak.
In May, the four counties within District 16 had a participation level of 22%. The district includes all of Kings County and parts of Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties.
Fresno County Clerk Brandi Orth reminds those voting in the special election to look at the location printed next to the green arrow on your sample ballot. "We urge you to go to the polling place that we assign you. That way you'll be on the roster and we'll be able to process you normally," said Orth.
If you are registered to vote by mail but choose to vote at a polling station, bring your unused absentee ballot and hand it over to an election official to make the counting process smoother.
If you have any voter-related questions, there is a hotline you can call: 600-VOTE.