Santa Clara County voters are heading to the polls as early voting begins for the crucial county assessor runoff election. Starting Saturday, December 27, 2025, residents can visit 19 vote centers to cast their ballots for either Neysa Fligor, the Vice Mayor of Los Altos, or Rishi Kumar, a former councilmember from Saratoga. This election is set to take place on December 30, 2025, with a total of 38 centers available across the county.
Voting Details and Accessibility
The vote centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with select locations offering hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including weekends and Christmas Day. On Election Day, all locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can also vote by mail or drop off their mail-in ballots at any of the county’s 109 official drop boxes, which are accessible 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters who missed the registration deadline on December 15 can still register and vote using a provisional ballot at the vote centers. Matt Moreles, the county-appointed Registrar of Voters, emphasized the county’s commitment to making voting accessible, stating, “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.”
Candidates and Election Stakes
This runoff election follows Fligor’s lead in the special election held on November 4, 2025, where she garnered the most votes but fell short of securing an outright win. The winner of this election will oversee a substantial property assessment roll valued at approximately $700 billion and will be responsible for over 500,000 property owners within the county.
In terms of fundraising, Fligor’s campaign has raised $420,000 in 2025 alone, according to campaign finance records. In contrast, Kumar has raised $35,000, with a significant portion coming after the November election. This funding disparity may play a crucial role in the campaign’s effectiveness, particularly as turnout concerns loom.
There are apprehensions regarding voter turnout, especially given the holiday season, which often sees voters balancing civic responsibilities with personal commitments. The turnout for the November 4 special election was recorded at 51%, largely driven by support for statewide Proposition 50, which allows California to redraw congressional districts in favor of Democrats in response to Republican initiatives in Texas.
As the election approaches, the economic backdrop could significantly influence voter sentiments. The region is experiencing its lowest property value growth in over a decade, compounded by economic uncertainties and stalled development initiatives. High interest rates and rising construction costs have led to delays in significant projects, including Google’s Downtown West project in San Jose, initially scheduled to commence in 2023.
These factors, coupled with the persistent challenges of hybrid and remote work, have maintained the office vacancy rate in Silicon Valley at around 20% for the past two years, according to data from the assessor’s office. The resolution of this election may have lasting implications for the valley’s economic landscape and property market.
As voters prepare to make their choices, the outcome of the Santa Clara County assessor runoff election could shape the future of property assessment and taxation in the region.
