NEVADA CITY, Calif. — September 2026 — Indivisible Nevada County (INC) and the Nevada County Democrats (NCD) will present “Ballot Breakdown: Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Move” on Monday, October 5, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street in Nevada City. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. 

With the November 3 General Election approaching, Ballot Breakdown will bring voters, election officials, and local candidates together for an evening focused on voter education and civic participation. Attendees will hear directly from candidates for several local offices, learn more about the upcoming election, and have an opportunity to ask questions and meet candidates face-to-face.

The timing is especially relevant for Western Nevada County voters: October 5 is the deadline for ballots to be mailed to registered voters and marks the start of early voting at the Nevada County Ballot Processing Center.

The evening will begin with a performance by Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald, local favorites of modern folk music. For a preview of their music, you can visit kammmac.com.  

Kathy Dotson — Leader, Indivisible Nevada County
A longtime Nevada City community organizer and civic advocate, Dotson leads Indivisible Nevada County’s grassroots efforts to engage residents, strengthen civic participation and mobilize the community around issues affecting Nevada County and beyond.

Armando Salud-Ambriz — Nevada County Registrar of Voters
As Nevada County Registrar of Voters, Salud-Ambriz oversees the county’s election administration. He will provide attendees with important information about the November 3 General Election, including voting options, key dates and election resources.

Heidi Hall — Nevada County District 1 Supervisor
Hall has represented District 1 on the Nevada County Board of Supervisors since 2017 and brings 25 years of professional experience in environmental and natural-resource policy, including work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Water Resources.

Bob Branstrom — Candidate for Grass Valley City Council
Branstrom previously served on the Grass Valley City Council from 2020 to 2024 and is seeking to return to the council. A retired research analyst, he has been involved with local volunteer organizations since moving to Grass Valley in 2013. Two at-large City Council seats are on the November ballot.

Scott Beesley — Candidate for Grass Valley City Council
Beesley is a financial planner running for one of two at-large seats on the Grass Valley City Council. He is one of four candidates who qualified for the November ballot.

Terry McAteer — Candidate for Nevada Irrigation District, Division 1
A longtime educator and public servant, McAteer served as Nevada County Superintendent of Schools for 22 years. He currently teaches through Sierra College, serves on the Nevada County Planning Commission and chairs the Grass Valley Historic Commission. He is running for the Division 1 seat on the Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors.

Tara Marino — Candidate for Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees
Marino is a current Grass Valley School District trustee and a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in the nutrition field. She is seeking election to one of three seats on the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees.

Emily Gallup — Candidate for Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees
Gallup is a school-based therapist running for one of three seats on the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees. She is one of five candidates who qualified for the November ballot.

Mike Dent — Candidate for Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees
Dent is a retired public administrator running for one of three seats on the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees.

Olivia Pritchett — Candidate for Nevada Joint Union High School District Trustee Area 1
Pritchett is the incumbent trustee representing Area 1 on the Nevada Joint Union High School District Board. She is seeking another term and is one of two candidates for the Area 1 seat.

Keith Allen — Candidate for Nevada Joint Union High School District Trustee Area 5
Allen, whose ballot designation is Information Security Lead, is running for the Nevada Joint Union High School District Board representing Trustee Area 5. He is one of two candidates seeking the Area 5 seat.

Meet the Candidates in Stone Hall

The conversation will continue after the on-stage program. Attendees are invited to Stone Hall for an informal meet-and-greet with the participating candidates, giving voters a chance to speak with them personally, ask questions, and learn more about the local races on the November ballot.

The evening will also feature a community bake sale; INC and NCD merchandise for sale; and the Miners Foundry Bar will be open for beverage purchases. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, stay after the program, and connect with candidates and other community members.

The November 3 ballot includes contests for local city councils, school boards, and special districts, as well as state propositions and local ballot measures.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Ballot Breakdown: Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Move.
WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2026
DOORS OPEN: 4:30 p.m.
PROGRAM: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
PRESENTED BY: Indivisible Nevada County & Nevada County Democrats
SUGGESTED DONATION: $20 at the door
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4xzvtvB