By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Ballots have been mailed for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election and the Elections Office is ready to receive voted ballots sent by mail or dropped in drop boxes. The Contra Costa County Elections Division will perform the County’s official logic and accuracy testing on central ballot tabulation and processing equipment at 10:00 am Friday, October 10, 2025, a at the Elections Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez and the public is invited to observe.
Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure. The test will confirm that all central count equipment is in working order and functioning properly. A set of test ballots will be run through each scanner to ensure they are properly programmed and operating as expected.
If you would like to observe this process, we encourage you to let us know in advance by contacting the Elections office at 925-335-7800. On the day of testing, visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby on the first floor.
By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Contra Costa County—Registered voters in Contra Costa County will soon receive their Official Ballots for the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. Ballots are at the post office as of Monday, Oct. 6 and should arrive in mailboxes beginning this week. If you do not receive your ballot by October 13th, call our office at (925) 335-7800.
“The Statewide Special Election was not approved by the California State Legislature until late August, and I want to make sure that all registered Contra Costa County voters know what they can expect as we get closer to Election Day,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our office wants to ensure that every Contra Costa County Voter is fully informed about how to participate in this election.”
In the coming days and weeks, the Contra Costa Elections Division will be sharing important logistical information about this election with local residents at ContraCostaVote.gov and on our social media.
Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia
Some key dates:
– State Voter Information Guide mailed out/online: by Sept 20
– County Voter Information Guide sent to Registered Voters: by September 25
-Vote-by-Mail ballots sent to registered voters: by Oct 6
– Contra Costa Elections Office opens for early voting: Oct 6
– Polling places open: Election Day, Nov 4 (7am to 8pm)
– Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov 4
The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department offers many ways for voters to cast their ballot early and ensure it is included in the first report on Election Night. Voters can send their ballot through the US Mail in their postage pre-paid ballot envelope. They can put it in one of 45 secure Contra Costa Dropboxes located throughout the County, or they can bring it to our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Division also offers Regional Early Voting sites for those who need to register and/or vote in person.
Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Source: Ballotpedia
“Will cost taxpayers millions of dollars” more
Sacramento, CA – The California Office of the Secretary of State announced on Monday that a correction notice will be mailed to voter households in response to the discovery of a map labeling error in the official 2025 Voter Information Guide (VIG).
On page 11 of the guide, a proposed congressional district contained in the map provided by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) was inadvertently labeled as District 22 instead of District 27. A separate map provided by the LAO on page 15 included the correct identification of District 27.
To ensure voters receive accurate information, a correction postcard will be mailed to all voter households who received the guide with the typo. The “https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“ website has also been updated to reflect the corrected map.
“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections.” said Weber. “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.”
According to a report by the L.A. Times, “There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear if the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.”
“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”
New Antioch City Clerk Michael Mandy takes his seat at the dais, next to Stephanie Cabrera-Brown, an Administrative Analyst in the Clerk’s Department, after being appointed by the City Council and sworn in Tuesday night, Sept. 23, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Michael Mandy will serve until special election in November 2026
By Allen D. Payton
During a special meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council interviewed five candidates for City Clerk and appointed, on a 4-1 vote, Michael Mandy, an AT&T Premises Technician, who will serve until a special election next November. Voters will then decide who to elect for the remainder of the four-year term. The vacancy was created by the sudden departure on July 30th of Melissa Rhodes who was elected last November.
Before appointing Mandy, District 3 Councilman Don Freitas thanked all those who applied and said, “We really, truly appreciate you stepping forward and this isn’t the last time we see you. We have boards and commissions that need you.”
Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha then said, “Because this is a one-year appointment…there will be an election. This is a temporary appointment.” He then said, “Based on experience and what I wrote down. I make a motion to recommend Lori Ogorchock to the position and fill the term. Mayor Ron Bernal seconded the motion which died on a 2-0-3 vote, with Councilmembers Monica Wilson, Tamisha Torres-Walker and Freitas voting to abstain.
Then, Freitas made a motion to appoint Mandy which passed 4-1 with Rocha voting against.
Mayor Ron Bernal administers the oath of office to and congratulates new City Clerk Michael Mandy as his wife Aurora looks on during the special City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
Mandy Immediately Sworn In, Thanks Council, Goes to Work
Mandy was then joined by his wife Aurora as Bernal administered the oath of office. The new City Clerk then thanked the council and said, “I hope to make you proud for your selection. I appreciate it very much. Thank you very much.”
“This is very emotional. Thank you,” he added with laughter from him and the audience.
Following a brief council meeting recess, Mandy took his seat at the dais and a sign with his name was placed in front of him.
Michael Mandy speaks to the City Council before being appointed during the City Clerk interview process on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
Mandy’s Background from his Application
In his application for the appointment Mandy provided information about his background. He wrote, “My name is Michael Mandy, and I am writing this letter to be considered for the position of City Clerk of the city of Antioch, California. (See application)
“n May, 1994 my wife and I moved into our house, which is near the southern end of Hillcrest Avenue. So I have been a resident of Antioch for over 30 years. We raised our two children here, and they both attended Diablo Vista, Dallas Ranch, and Deer Valley High schools.
I am very proud of the City of Antioch. I have spent many hours hiking at Black Diamond Mines and the adjacent Reservoir. My family loved the Rivertown Jamboree (RIP), 4th of July fireworks over the Delta, and recently attended the Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire this last May.
My family has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 3 generations. My father was an Independent Insurance Agent, and his office was in San Carlos. After school I would sit for hours in his office, doing office-type jobs, such as answering the phones, taking messages, organizing paperwork, typing and using the Copy machine. I learned professionalism, courtesy, and posess [sic] a high work ethic.
In 1995 we moved the family Insurance office from San Carlos to my home in Antioch. I was in business here until I sold the agency in 2013 to pursue other opportunities. Since then, I have been a Premises Technician for AT&T. My job duties have been going into peoples’ homes and installing High-speed Internet and climbing telephone poles to upgrade the telephone lines to Fiber.
I was also an active member in our Union, CWA District 9, Local 9417. Since 2013 I have been our garage’s Union Representative, and in 2019 was elected to serve on our Local’s Executive Board. My duties included attending all meetings, coordinating and assisting in our Local Elections, and approving budgets and company records.
I am Detail-oriented, as I love desk work. I excel at inputting data on computers, paperwork, and following up to make sure everything gets done and gets filed correctly. I am also very adept at dealing with the public, as my previous jobs involved face-to-face interactions.
I am very proud of my city and I would be thrilled to work with the City Administrators and help to contribute to the success of my city of Antioch. I believe that I would be very successful as a City Clerk.”
About the City Clerk’s Office
The City Clerk is the official keeper of the municipal records and is sometimes referred to as the historian of the community. City Clerk responsibilities include:
Acting as the official custodian of records for the City and is responsible for all City Council agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and legal publications
Coordinating Fair Political Practices Commission filings including the Statement of Economic Interests and Campaign Disclosures
Acting as the service agent for the City regarding claims, subpoenas, and summons
Overseeing the City’s records management, legislative history, bids, contracts, archives, election activities, and board/commission/committee programs
Communications directed to the City, its legislative bodies, and their members (i.e., City Council, Planning Commission) or City staff are public records and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act and Brown Act unless exempt from disclosure under the applicable law.
The City Clerk’s Office is located on the Third Floor of City Hall at 200 H Street, Antioch, Monday–Friday, between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. For more information email cityclerk@antiochca.gov or call (925) 779-7009.
All of Antioch would be moved into Congressional District 9 and combined with most of San Joaquin County if Prop 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604
Presented by League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley
Learn the Pros and Cons of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, a temporary redistricting measure on the statewide election scheduled for November 4. The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will sponsor three in-person events and one online session for the public to hear arguments and funding for and against the measure, which has potential nationwide impact.
Ballots will be mailed October 6.
Antioch is currently split between Congressional District 10 combined with most of Contra Costa County and District 8 combined with Western Contra Costa County and most of Solano County Source: California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Background
Proposition 50 was a response by Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature to Texas Legislature’s recent mid-cycle redistricting. But the California ballot measure was approved and signed into law on Aug. 21 before Texas’ new congressional district were approved on Aug. 29, which was done in response to a lawsuit by the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice.
According to a report by Democracy Docket, the lawsuit was “filed in 2021 by the DOJ under the Biden administration that alleged the state’s new redistricting plans drawn with 2020 census data violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because they ignored the Lone Star State’s growing minority population and instead diluted the voting strength of voters. The lawsuit was later consolidated with several other similar lawsuits.”
While in March the Trump Administration’s DOJ “dropped its claims against Texas that its…state legislative and congressional maps violate the Voting Rights Act, litigation is ongoing, with a coalition of pro-voting groups — including the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Mi Familia Vota and others — continuing their legal efforts for fair maps in Texas.”
Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia
Later, according to a July 15th report by Politico, President Trump told reporters he wanted Texas to attain five additional Republican congressional seats in the 2026 election through redistricting, in order to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to the LWV, “The California measure’s stated intent is to counteract Texas’ actions and help ensure that the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field, without an unfair advantage for either party.” While California’s Prop 50 puts the decision in the hands of California voters the new district lines were drawn and approved by the Democrats in the state legislature and Governor Newsom.
UPDATE: Unlike California’s redistricting requirements included in Article 21, Section 2 of the state’s constitution which, by a vote of the people, mandated the creation of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw district lines each decade following the Census, according to the State of Texas redistricting website, “No Texas constitutional or statutory provisions address congressional redistricting…Unlike legislative redistricting, congressional redistricting does not come within the authority of the Legislative Redistricting Board if the legislature fails to enact a valid plan during the regular session that is meeting when the decennial census is published. The issue may be taken up in a subsequent special session of the legislature or, if the legislature fails to enact a congressional plan or if the governor does not call a special session, the districts may ultimately be drawn by a state or federal district court.” So, the Texas legislature is responsible for redrawing congressional district lines to create new maps.
California voters will decide in November whether or not to confirm the proposed, new Congressional district maps for our state.
Thursday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.–Virtual; this event will have simultaneous Spanish translation and will be recorded for future viewing online. Registration is required to receive the link. Register for this event.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels. For more information visit www.lwvdv.org.
Gail Murray and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Will interview former councilwoman, former county supervisor’s chief of staff, AT&T technician, parking enforcement officer and barber
By Allen D. Payton
During a special meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night, Sept. 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council will interview five applicants and appoint one to fill the vacant City Clerk position for a little more than one year. An election will be held in November 2026 to fill the remaining two of the four-year term.
As previously reported, on July 30, 2025, City Clerk Melissa Rhodes, elected last November, submitted her written resignation effective immediately. At its meeting of August 12, 2025, the City Council directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than by special election. State law requires that the appointment be made within 60 days of the vacancy, or no later than September 30, 2025. Then during it’s Aug. 26th meeting, the Council adopted the appointment process with applications due Thursday, September 11.
According to the City staff report for the agenda item #SM-1, a total of 14 Antioch voters picked up the application packet; two withdrew. As of the close of the application period, the City received five applications…submitted by (in alphabetical order by last name):
• Michael J. Mandy, an AT&T Premises Technician and 31-year Antioch resident;
• Vincent Manuel, the former Chief of Staff, Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who worked for four months as an Administrative Analyst in the Antioch City Clerk’s Office and is a 35-year Antioch resident. He also has served on the Antioch Planning Commission, as Chair of the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission and on the Antioch Board of Administrative Appeals.
• Eric Bao Xuan Nguyen, a Parking Enforcement Officer and six-year Antioch resident;
• Lori Ogorchock, former three-term Antioch Councilwoman, a retired, self-employed real estate agent, and 54-year Antioch resident; and
• Jerome Terrell, a barber and 12-year Antioch resident.
Staff is recommending that the City Council take the following action to fill the City Clerk vacancy:
1. Receive applicant presentations (up to five minutes). Each applicant will be called up (in alphabetical order) and given the opportunity to speak.
2. Once each applicant has spoken, the applicant will be escorted to the HR interview room.
3. Applicants will be called back into the chamber in alphabetical order to take
questions from the Council.
4. Each councilmember will ask one question, as indicated below.
5. After the conclusion of Council questions, public comment will be opened.
6. Upon conclusion of public comment, the Council will deliberate and will select a candidate upon motion approved by a simple majority.
7. The City Council will adopt the resolution appointing [name of appointee] as City Clerk through November 2026.
Proposed Interview Questions
Staff is suggesting is that, during the interviews, each Councilmember and the Mayor ask one question of each candidate. The following are five questions the City Council may consider asking:
• How does the applicant view the role of City Clerk?
• What knowledge does the applicant have of computer systems and electronic platforms that might be used in the City Clerk position?
• What is the specific role of the City Clerk under the Brown Act, California Government Code, and California Elections Code?
• How would the applicant balance outside interests, including other civic, community, and political interests, with their work as City Clerk?
• What assurance can the applicant provide that they will timely carry out their duties for the remainder of the term?
Following this question-and-answer period, the City Council should then open the matter for public comment. Upon the conclusion of public comment, the matter shall be before the City Council for its consideration and a vote.
The special meeting will be preceded by a Closed Session meeting at 4:00 p.m. and followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
The City of Antioch is now accepting applications for the City Clerk position! The part-time position pays $1,900 per month plus benefits. The City Council will make their decision on the appointment at their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23. The appointed City Clerk will serve through the beginning of December 2026 and if desire to continue serving must run for election that November for the remaining two years of the current term. (Please see related articles here and here)
The City Clerk is the official keeper of the municipal records and is sometimes referred to as the historian of the community. City Clerk responsibilities include:
Acting as the official custodian of records for the City and is responsible for all City Council agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and legal publications
Coordinating Fair Political Practices Commission filings including the Statement of Economic Interests and Campaign Disclosures
Acting as the service agent for the City regarding claims, subpoenas, and summons
Overseeing the City’s records management, legislative history, bids, contracts, archives, election activities, and board/commission/committee programs
Communications directed to the City, its legislative bodies, and their members (i.e., City Council, Planning Commission) or City staff are public records and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act and Brown Act unless exempt from disclosure under the applicable law.
Stop by the Third Floor of City Hall with a valid government-issued ID to pick up your application in person at 200 H Street, Antioch, Monday–Friday, between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Appointments are strongly encouraged by emailing cityclerk@antiochca.gov or calling (925) 779-7009.
The filing deadline is Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 4:30 PM.
Efforts to reach City staff asking for details on the benefits of the position were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates.
If adopted, applications will be due Thursday, September 11
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Antioch City Council will vote on the process for appointing a new City Clerk to fill the vacancy created by the sudden resignation and departure of Melissa Rhodes on July 30th. The Council had the option of holding a special election in November or making an appointment. The appointee would serve until just after certification of the November 2026 special election, consistent with state law governing resignations in the first half of an office. The remaining half of the term would be served by whomever is elected in that election.
According to the City staff report for the item, #8, on the meeting agenda, by Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “At its regular meeting of August 12, 2025, the City Council directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than by special election. State law requires that the appointment be made within 60 days of the vacancy, or no later than September 30, 2025.”
“The City last filled a City Clerk vacancy by appointment in 2011. At that time, the City Council adopted a process to ensure transparency, fairness, and public participation. That process included the following features:
1. Applications and Required Materials. Interested applicants were required to submit:
• A Letter of Interest (not to exceed 400 words) describing interest, qualifications, background, and other relevant information;
• A Nomination Paper signed by at least 20 but not more than 30 registered Antioch voters; and
• A completed Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission.
2. Eligibility. Applicants were required to be registered voters of the City of Antioch, consistent with the statutory qualification for an elected City Clerk.
3. Filing Deadline. Applications were required to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk by a fixed date and time.
4. Public Review. All completed applications were deemed public records and made available for public review.
5. Oral Presentations to Council. Each applicant was invited to make a brief oral presentation (no more than five minutes) at the Council meeting at which the appointment was considered. The Council had the opportunity to ask questions of the applicants.
6. Appointment at Open Session. Following applicant presentations and any public comment, the City Council deliberated and made the appointment during open session of the Council meeting.
Proposed 2025 Appointment Process
Staff recommends that the Council follow the same process as was used in 2011, using the following dates:
• Applications would be due in the City Clerk’s Office no later than 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025.
• The City Council would hold applicant interviews and consider appointment at its regular meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
This process balances transparency, fairness, and efficiency, and ensures compliance with the Government Code deadline for appointment at the end of September 2025.”
Closed Session, Special & Regular Meetings
The Council meeting begins with a Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. for a Conference with Labor Negotiators for the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
That will be followed by a Special Meeting/Study Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on a proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Council Chambers are located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meetings can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/, on Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
