Early voting has commenced in Santa Clara County for the crucial county assessor runoff election, set for December 30, 2025. Voters can visit any of the 19 vote centers that opened on December 27, with a total of 38 centers available for this election. The centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with select locations open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including weekends and Christmas Day. On Election Day, all centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This election features Los Altos Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor and former Saratoga Councilmember Rishi Kumar. Fligor led the initial election on November 4 but did not secure enough votes for an outright victory. The winner will oversee a substantial $700 billion assessment roll, impacting approximately 500,000 property owners across the county.
Fligor’s campaign has reported fundraising of $420,000 this year, while Kumar has raised $35,000, with most contributions coming post-election, according to campaign finance records. There are concerns about voter turnout, which may decline due to the holiday season, making it challenging for voters to balance civic duties with family commitments. The turnout for the November 4 special election was 51%, bolstered by widespread support for statewide Proposition 50, which allows California to redraw congressional districts.
“We strive to make voting as easy and convenient as possible,” said Matt Moreles, the county-appointed Registrar of Voters. “Our courteous staff are excited to provide voters with a multitude of services, including registering to vote, voting assistance in 14 languages, and assisting voters with disabilities.”
In addition to in-person voting, residents can cast their ballots by mail or drop their mail-in ballots at any vote center or one of the county’s 109 official drop boxes, which are open 24 hours a day. On Election Day, drop boxes will remain available until 8 p.m. Voters who missed the December 15 registration deadline can still register and vote simultaneously by casting a provisional ballot.
The election’s outcome could significantly impact Santa Clara Valley, where property values are experiencing their lowest growth in over a decade amid economic uncertainties. High interest rates, rising construction costs, and decreased demand for office space have stalled several significant projects, including Google’s Downtown West initiative in San Jose, which was originally scheduled to commence in 2023.
The ongoing challenges of high office vacancy rates, dropping rental prices, and the shift towards hybrid and remote work have kept the office vacancy rate in Silicon Valley around 20% for the past two years, according to the county assessor’s office.
As residents head to the polls, the implications of this election will resonate throughout the community, shaping the future of property management and taxation in the region.
