Eddie Lopez
Eddie Lopez

Imperial County Releases First Unofficial Results for June 2, 2026 Primary Election

El Centro, CA – The Imperial County Registrar of Voters has released the first “Unofficial Election Results” update for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Results are available on the Registrar of Voters website at https://elections.imperialcounty.org/.

The first report, released at 8:00 p.m., includes vote-by-mail ballots received and processed through Monday, June 1, 2026. Please note that these results are preliminary and are not final.

Additional results will be posted every two hours throughout the evening as ballots cast at Vote Centers are processed and reported. Once all Vote Centers have submitted their results, counting for the evening will conclude.

Beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2026, updated results will be released each weekday at 5:00 p.m. until the canvassing process is complete and the election is certified.

As required by the State of California, the Imperial County Registrar of Voters has until Thursday, July 2, 2026, to complete the official canvass and certify the election results. The post-election canvass includes the careful review and verification of vote-by-mail, provisional, and conditional voter registration ballots to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election.

Registrar staff continue to work diligently to complete the process and appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as every valid ballot is counted.

For ongoing updates and more information, please visit the Imperial County Registrar of Voters website at https://elections.imperialcounty.org/

Imperial County Registrar of Voters Announces Opening of All Vote Centers for June 2 Primary Election

Imperial County, CA —The Imperial County Registrar of Voters announces the opening of all Vote Centers for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election beginning Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Additional Vote Centers will join the locations at the Brawley Lions Center, Camarena Memorial Library in Calexico, and the El Centro Public Library, which have been open since May 23, 2026.

The following Vote Center locations will open on May 30, 2026:

  • Calipatria City Hall – 125 Park Street, Calipatria
  • Heber Community Center – 1132 Heber Avenue, Heber
  • Veterans Hall – 247 South Imperial Avenue, Imperial
  • Desert Trails-Ryerson Hall – 225 Wake Avenue, El Centro
  • Holtville City Hall – 121 West 5th Street, Holtville
  • West Shores High School – 2381 Shore Hawk Avenue, Salton City
  • I.V. Housing Authority – 1401 D Street, Brawley
  • Niland Fire Station – Cooling Center – 8071 Luxor Avenue, Niland
  • Westmorland Youth Center – 200 West 2nd Street, Westmorland
  • Mario Esquer Building – 850 Eady Avenue, Calexico
  • Seeley Fire Station – Cooling Center – 1862 West Evan Hewes Highway, Seeley

Vote Centers will be open from May 30 through June 1, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At any Vote Center, voters may:

  • Vote in person
  • Deposit their vote-by-mail ballot
  • Register to vote
  • Update their voter registration information

Voters are encouraged to vote early to avoid long lines and possible wait times on Election Day.

Vote-by-mail ballots may also be returned through the U.S. Postal Service or deposited in an official drop box. Voters who have not yet mailed their vote-by-mail ballots are encouraged to return them at an official ballot drop box or Vote Center.

Due to updated U.S. Postal Service processing procedures, ballots mailed fewer than seven days before Election Day may not arrive in time for processing. To ensure timely receipt, voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use an official ballot drop box or Vote Center.

For information regarding the nearest Vote Center or official ballot drop box, visit the Imperial County Registrar of Voters’ website at elections.imperialcounty.org or call (442) 265-1060.

Public Hearing Notice: CDBG Grant Closeout and Project Acceptance

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers at the County Administrative Center, located at 940 West Main Street, Suite 211, El Centro, CA.

The hearing will allow the Board to consider and receive public comments on the closeout and acceptance of final activities completed under two Community Development Block Grant programs funded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

The projects include the Niland Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Niland Wastewater Treatment Plant. A total of $6,133,080.50 was expended under Grant No. 20-CDBGCV-COL-00001, with $366,919.50 to be disencumbered from the original $6.5 million award. An additional $1,873,693.80 was expended under Grant No. 20-CDBG-12086 for the Niland Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The purpose of the hearing is to provide residents an opportunity to review the projects and submit public comments. For supporting documents or to participate in public comment, please contact the Clerk of the Board at (442) 265-1020 prior to the hearing date.

Click Here to Download PDF

Imperial County Registrar of Voters Announces Opening of Vote Centers for June 2 Primary Election

Imperial County, CA —The Imperial County Registrar of Voters announces the opening of three Vote Centers for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election beginning Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Vote Centers will be located at the following locations:
Brawley Lions Center – 225 A Street, Brawley
Camarena Memorial Library – 840 Encinas Avenue, Calexico
El Centro Public Library – 1198 North Imperial Avenue, El Centro

Vote Centers will be open from May 23rd through June 1st from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2nd Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At any Vote Center, voters may:
Vote in person
Deposit their vote-by-mail ballot
Register to vote
Update their voter registration information

Voters are encouraged to vote early to avoid long lines and possible wait times on Election Day.   Vote-by-mail ballots may also be returned through the U.S. Postal Service or deposited in an official drop box.  

For information regarding the nearest Vote Center or official ballot drop box, visit the Imperial County Registrar of Voters’ website at Elections.ImperialCounty.org or call (442) 265-1060.

Permitting

Imperial County Planning & Development Services to Launch New Online Permitting Portal

The Imperial County Planning and Development Services Department will soon transition to Civic Access, a new online permitting platform designed to make the application process more convenient, accessible, and efficient for the public.

During the first two weeks of June, the department will be transitioning to the new permitting software. From June 1 through June 12, 2026, permit applications will continue to be accepted through the current in-person and mail-in process. However, applicants may experience minor delays during this period as staff manually process and transfer information into the new system.

The department plans to officially launch Civic Access on Monday, June 15, 2026. Beginning on that date, applicants will be able to use the new online portal to submit building permits and planning applications, track application status, pay fees securely, and request permit inspections.

All active permits will be transferred into the new system with their current project number and information. While use of the online platform is highly encouraged, physical applications will continue to be accepted.

Civic Access will provide applicants with 24/7 digital access to permitting services and real-time updates throughout the permit process.

A recorded training session on how to use the Civic Access portal is available here:

For questions or additional assistance, please contact the Imperial County Planning and Development Services Department.

Imperial County Highlights (April 2026)

A Message from the Chair

Chairwoman

Peggy Price

This month’s Imperial County Highlights showcases the continued impact of our County departments and community partners in supporting the health, education, and well-being of our residents. From youth partnerships and public health initiatives to mental health awareness and expanded access to care, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to prevention, opportunity, and service. Together, we continue working toward a stronger, healthier Imperial County for all.

Meet Lashes, Humanes’ Society Pet of the Week

Meet Lashes, our Pet of the Week! Named for her unique eyelashes on her right eye, this charming pup is as beautiful as she is playful. Lashes is friendly, energetic, great with other dogs, and loves children, making her a wonderful fit for an active, fun-loving family. She’s ready to find a forever home where she can share her love and joyful personality.

Schedule a Meet & Greet

April’s Department Sunshine Moments

Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Recognized for Supporting Student Health Education and Air Quality Awareness

The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District was awarded the Industry Partner of the Year at the 2026 Cal-HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) for its partnership with Central Union High School District’s Southwest Academy for Careers in Health Sciences (SACHS).

High school students from Southwest High School’s HOSA Program attended the annual conference and one group placed 3rd Place in the Health Education Category. The award was given for their development of Project ACE: Air Community Education – a program supporting environmental literacy and air

quality awareness.

In June 2026, the Southwest High School HOSA students will be attending the 49th Annual International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana

ASPIRE Youth Explore STEM Opportunities at Imperial Valley College

The ASPIRE Program partnered with the STEM and Chemistry Clubs at Imperial Valley College to engage youth in hands-on scientific experiments and introduce them to academic opportunities available on campus. This collaborative experience encourages participants to explore higher education pathways and expand their future goals

“Because of Where I Was; From Secure Track to On Track”

This spotlight highlights the remarkable accomplishments of a justice-involved youth who entered juvenile hall following a serious offense and spent several years in the Secure Track Program. During this time, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and initiative by enrolling full-time at Imperial Valley College, where he consistently maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher each semester.

Despite facing moments of overwhelm, he remained focused and committed to his goals, continually pushing himself to succeed. His dedication culminated in January 2026, when he graduated from Imperial Valley College with two associate degrees—one in Behavioral Science and another in Social Science, earning a 3.8 GPA with honors/distinction in his

major. He is also on track to complete a third associate degree in Sociology

this semester.

Building on this success, he was accepted to Sacramento State University, where he is currently enrolled in six courses as he pursues a degree in Kinesiology. With the support of Project Rebound, he has also secured stable housing, providing a strong foundation for his continued academic journey and personal growth.

As af first-generation college graduate, he reflects on his journey in the Secure Track Program, with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment, sharing, “I wouldn’t have done any of this if I wasn’t in there.”

Breaking Ground on Hope and Healing

Imperial County Behavioral Health Services marked an important milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Adult Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility, a project that will expand access to treatment, recovery, and support services in Imperial County. The event brought together County leadership, staff, community partners, and project collaborators to recognize the teamwork behind this effort, including the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes to keep projects moving forward. Special thanks to Kristen Mitosinka, Peer Support Specialist, for sharing her powerful recovery journey and reminding us that this facility represents hope, healing, dignity, and new beginnings.

Read the full press release

Public Health Launches Interactive Heat-Related Illness Dashboard

The Public Health Department enhanced community awareness by transitioning from a static heat-related illness (HRI) PDF report to an interactive dashboard that provides periodically updated, surveillance-based data, helping residents stay informed about heat-related trends during periods of extreme heat.

Click here for Dashboard

Strengthening Public Health Workforce and Community Awareness

The Public Health Department recognized National Public Health Week 2026 under the theme “Ready. Set. Action!”, highlighting the vital role of public health services, staff contributions, and initiatives that support disease prevention and improved quality of life. The department also reinforced its commitment to workforce development through its annual Staff Professional Development Event, strengthening internal capacity, innovation, and the ability to better serve Imperial County residents.

Expanding Access to Kindergarten Oral Health Screenings

At the 45th Annual Children’s Fair, the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health team partnered with Southwest High School HOSA students to provide free Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments to 70 children. The screenings helped identify early signs of dental concerns, supported California’s kindergarten oral health assessment requirements, and connected families with oral health education and preventive care resources. This effort reduced barriers to care, promoted healthy habits, and supported the overall health, school readiness, and well-being of children and families in Imperial County.

Imperial County Supports Youth Voices in Mental Health Awareness

Click here to Vote

Southwest High School senior Karissa Ruiz Ovando has been recognized as a 1st Place Winner in the Animation Suicide Prevention category of the Directing Change Film Contest for her PSA, “I Am Seen.” Her film now qualifies for the People’s Choice Award, and the community is encouraged to show support by voting. This recognition aligns with our shared commitment to mental health awareness and highlights the positive partnerships being built with local students, including HOSA students who have collaborated with Imperial County departments such as Public Health, Air Pollution Control District, and Behavioral Health Services.

Cady Poe Colonia CSA Community Outreach Meeting and Proposition 218 Public Hearing

The Imperial County Department of Public Works will host a community outreach meeting for residents and property owners within the Cady Poe Colonia County Service Area to provide information about a proposed sewer service rate adjustment, review the wastewater rate study, and answer questions from the community.

The community outreach meeting will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brawley Teen Center, 220 Magnolia Street, Brawley, CA 92227.

The proposed rate adjustment would help address ongoing wastewater service, operations, maintenance, and infrastructure costs for the Cady Poe Colonia County Service Area. If approved, the current monthly sewer rate of $30 per dwelling unit would increase to $40 beginning July 1, 2026, with additional proposed annual adjustments through 2030.

A Proposition 218 Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 940 Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243, where the Imperial County Board of Supervisors will receive public comment, count written protests received, and consider the proposed rate adjustment.

For questions, please contact Jose Carlos Romero, Principal Engineer, at josecromero@co.imperial.ca.us or (442) 265-1811.

Download Cady Poe Colonia CSA Rate Study
Download Public Notice (PDF)

Imperial County Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Renovated Calipatria Library Branch

Calipatria, California. — The County of Imperial celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Imperial County Library Calipatria Branch on Thursday, May 15, marking a meaningful investment in education, literacy, and community access for residents of Calipatria and the surrounding northern Imperial County region.

The renovated branch represents more than an improvement to a public facility. It reflects the County’s continued commitment to creating welcoming spaces where children, students, families, seniors, and lifelong learners can gather, explore, and connect with resources that support personal growth and opportunity. From access to books and technology to programs that encourage learning and community engagement, the Calipatria Branch will continue serving as an important resource for generations to come.

The ceremony brought together County officials, state and local leaders, community partners, and residents to celebrate the collaborative efforts that helped make the project possible. The program included remarks from Imperial County Librarian Mary J. Guerrero, California State Librarian Greg Lucas, Imperial County District 4 Supervisor Ryan Kelley, representatives from the City of Calipatria, the Office of Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, and the IV Regional Chamber of Commerce. Calipatria Unified School District Trustee Diego Navarro also joined the celebration, highlighting the library’s connection to local students and families.

Guests also enjoyed a special performance by Las Flores del Valle Ballet Folklórico, bringing a vibrant cultural element to the ceremony and honoring the traditions, talent, and spirit of the Imperial Valley.

“Libraries are more than buildings filled with books; they are gathering places, classrooms without walls, and safe spaces where imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning come together,” said Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley, District 4. “The renovation of the Calipatria Library Branch is an investment in our children, students, families, seniors, and the future of our community.”

Imperial County Librarian Mary J. Guerrero emphasized the role libraries continue to play as welcoming spaces for learning, connection, and public service. “Libraries thrive because of the support from their community and communities grow from the enrichment libraries provide. As libraries adapt and grow, so does the community they serve.” 

The event concluded with the official ribbon cutting and photo opportunity, symbolizing a new chapter for the Calipatria Branch and the community it will serve.

Through the Calipatria Branch, the Imperial County Library system continues its mission to provide accessible library services, programs, technology, and resources that enrich lives and strengthen communities throughout Imperial County.

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Imperial County Board of Supervisors Approve Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance

Imperial County, CA – May 12, 2026 – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted today during its regular Board meeting to adopt the Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance, establishing workforce, hiring, and labor standards for specified land uses within the proposed Lithium Valley Specific Plan Area.

The ordinance received its first reading by title only on May 5, 2026, followed by the second reading and adoption on May 12, 2026.

The ordinance promotes high-quality construction jobs, strengthen local workforce participation, support apprenticeship utilization and workforce training, and encourage local hiring and subcontracting opportunities associated with specific land uses in the Lithium Valley Specific Plan Area.

The Board Chambers saw strong attendance from local union workers and labor representatives in support of the ordinance, reflecting significant community interest in ensuring local residents benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

Also in attendance were Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, and Danny Machain, Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local 569 and California State Building Trades Imperial County Business Manager, who joined local labor organizations, trades representatives, and community members in support of the ordinance.

“This ordinance builds pathways to long-term careers, workforce development, and economic mobility for local families, not just for today, but for generations to come,” said Peggy Price, Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. “Today’s action prioritizes our residents, strengthens workforce development, and positions Imperial County to lead as we create a vibrant and prosperous future.”

The ordinance establishes requirements for covered projects to submit workforce plans addressing local hiring efforts, apprenticeship utilization, and workforce implementation strategies. The ordinance also encourages opportunities for local subcontractors and small businesses to participate in Imperial County’s future.

In addition, the ordinance supports career pathways for local workers, including apprentices and individuals from disadvantaged communities, helping expand access to middle-wage jobs and long-term economic opportunity within Imperial County.


“The State Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to support the Imperial County Building Trades, and the work they have done with the County on this Construction Workforce Ordinance. This Ordinance will provide career opportunities for Imperial residents, centered around safety and quality. The apprenticeship requirements are opportunities to learn skills not just for the first projects located in Lithium Valley, but for lifelong careers with outstanding wages and benefits. The reporting requirements and strong compliance, will provide the local community and workers with the information needed to maintain confidence,” said Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.

For more information regarding the Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance, please contact the Imperial County Executive Office.

Imperial County Highlights Progress on Imperial Townsite Roadway

Roadway improvements are underway in the Imperial Townsite area as part of the Imperial Townsite Roadway Improvement Project Phase I, a County infrastructure project designed to improve local road conditions, support safer travel, and extend the life of existing roadways.

On March 3, 2026, under Minute Order No. 62, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution awarding Rove Engineering, Inc. as the successful bidder for the project and approved a capital expense of $2,199,999 for County Project No. 6995RMRA, funded by SB 1.

The project includes pavement grinding, crack sealing, asphalt concrete resurfacing, slurry sealcoat, pothole repairs, shoulder grading, road striping, utility adjustments, and other related roadway improvements. Work is taking place within the County Road right-of-way and includes various road segments in the Imperial Townsite area, including locations near Lee Road, Powell Court, Hamblet Road, and Nance Road.

“Investments like this are important to the daily lives of our residents,” said Chairwoman Peggy Price, District 3 Supervisor. “These improvements help provide safer, smoother, and more reliable roads for the families, workers, emergency responders, and community members who use them every day. I want to thank the Imperial County Public Works Department for their continued dedication and hard work in coordinating projects that directly benefit our communities.”

Imperial County remains committed to maintaining and improving local infrastructure through responsible planning, available funding opportunities, and continued coordination with project partners. The Imperial Townsite Roadway Improvement Project Phase I reflects the County’s ongoing work to support safe and reliable transportation throughout its communities.