Question 1: Have the Congressional Districts in the Coachella Valley changed in 2022?
Answer: Yes, District 36 currently represented by Representative Raul Ruiz has been split. The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership provides this description of the change for Coachella Valley Cities:
“Instead of the valley cities sitting in one contiguous district, they are now split into two – Districts 25 and 41. Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, and Coachella are now in new District 25. And new District 41 contains Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta. This time population growth in our area outpaced the rest of the state prompting the need to split our area into two districts.
Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-La Quinta), currently representing District 36, will run in District 25.
Ken Calvert (R -Corona) represents the current District 41 and is running as the incumbent.
For more information, search for “Candidates in the 41st or 25th District” or for ‘redistricting in the 36th Congressional District”.
Question 2: Why are there two US Senate elections on the ballot with Senator Alex Padilla as the incumbent for both?
Answer: Senator Padilla was appointed to the fill the U.S. Senate seat held by Vice President Harris. The term ends January 3, 2023 but a special election is required since there is a general election prior to the end of the term. A special election is required to assure California’s full representation in the Senate through January 3, 2023, hence two Senate elections.
Voters can select the same or different candidates in each contest. The ultimate winner of the partial term contest will serve as senator through Jan. 3, 2023. The victor in the full-term race will serve from Jan. 3, 2023 through January 2029.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE JUNE 7, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION
MAY 9: The ballots will begin going out to all registered voters. This will be an all-mail-in-ballot election. There will be a small number of polling places open. Locations will be announced later. If you don’t receive your ballot this week, check your registration using this link: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
MAY 23: Last day to register to vote in the June Primary
JUNE 7: Election Day
Social Justice Blog Posts
What’s On Your Ballott? California Ballott Proposition 1
Ballot Proposition 1 is not as clear as you might think.
The Social Justice Committee will be on the patio after the services in February to answer your questions about the propowsition. They will give you a handout explaining the pros and cons so you can cast an informed vote.
Arlene Rosenthal
By Denise Janssen Eager
It is with a heavy heart I share that Well in the Desert’s guiding light, Arlene Rosenthal, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening. She was 79 years old.
UUCOD had a long lasting partnership with Arlene and Well in the Desert.
As Well in the Desert’s president, Arlene was a fearless, tireless, and big-hearted advocate keeping those who live unhoused front & center in Palm Springs’ eye.
July Backpack & School Supply Drive
Join us in collecting backpacks and school supplies for needy East Coachella Valley students. Galilee Center will distribute our donations in August. Read more for the list of requested supplies to bring to the UUCOD lobbby throughout the month of July.
Take Action for a Future Free from Gun Violence
Want to take action on gun violence, but don’t know where to start? Feeling angry, overwhelmed, & numbed by the number, magnitude, frequency, & complexity of these murders? Take care of yourself first, but as soon as you are able, channel your feelings by taking action. Read on to see the actions you can take…
UUCOD the Vote: May 2022, Voting Rights Campaign Resumes
Several states have already restricted voting rights to discourage voters from casting their ballots. We can help! Take action to reach those voters by working with national organizations coordinating volunteers who encourage voters to cast their ballot in 2022.