BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A lot of attention and money have flown through the campaigns of the Central Valley in this year’s election cycle, but it’s time to take a look at the three ballot measures that may appear on your primary ballot.

“It’s a one issue thing and it’s just filling vacancies, using that ability to fill within Kern County with somebody local,” District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier said.

Measure A will appear on the ballot for all eligible Kern County voters and if passed would turn Kern into a charter county.

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If approved, the charter would allow the remaining members of the board to either appoint a vacancy or trigger a special election. Any future amendments to the charter would have to be approved by voters in a special election.

Parlier was the last person elected to the board to replace a vacancy and said the measure would help give the county more autonomy.

“The governor could have appointed somebody. I mean, he could have appointed somebody from anywhere. They could have been from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento but transplanted that person basically right here in Kern County with no connection to the community,” Parlier said.

But there are two other measures that will appear only for residents of Ridgecrest.
Measure B would address terms limit confusion of city council members.

If passed it would deem any appointment that lasts more than two years as a full term. Measure C would extend the term length of the city mayor from two years to four to align with city council elections.

Ridgecrest Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Blades said most locals are in support of the term extension.

“The pro side for Measure C recognizes two years is not enough when you get into a council seat to learn the job very well. You need that longer period of time.”

For more information on these three ballot measures, as well as keeping up to date with all election news, you can visit our 2026 voter guide here.

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