OCEANSIDE, Calif. — More than a week after election day, one local race is still too close to call.
Oceanside's mayoral race is still a dead heat with Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim leading incumbent Mayor Esther Sanchez by fewer than one hundred votes.
Ben Martinez is a veteran who lives in and loves Oceanside. He says eyes across the country were honed in on the presidential race but all politics are local.
"You don't think local politics matters? That's your first line of defense."
Herbert Holguin is also a veteran who's visiting family in Oceanside. He was surprised to hear that they're still counting votes in the Oceanside’s mayoral race.
"When I hear that, it's mind boggling. How come we're still wondering. My mind can’t wrap my thoughts around it."
He says, no matter what your politics are, showing up to vote is most important.
"I think if we want changes or anything like that, we need to go up and show out. The only way to change anything is to vote."
Incumbent Mayor Ester Sanchez first took office as mayor in 2020 after serving on the city council for 20 years. Challenger and Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim was appointed to Oceanside's district 3 city council seat in 2019 and elected in 2020.
Keim is leading Sanchez right now by less than 100 votes.
Corey Johnson lives in Oceanside. He says, he and his family have been watching the race closely.
"It's amazing how it's dragging out so long. It really shows how divided we are."
Other issues decided on the ballot for oceanside include race for city treasurer, city council and a 10-year extension of Measure X. The city's half cent sales tax dedicated to public safety, infrastructure and quality of life improvements.
Ben says he's disappointed in the rise of mis and disinformation and it's effect on elections.
"I'm waiting for the rest of my fellow Americans to study civics, study their government, and understand every election right down to which judge you pick, matters."
Any voter, within five days of the final tally, can ask for a recount with the registrar of voters office. Limits apply.
Herbert says, no matter who wins he hopes they keep a love of Oceanside and the people who live here at heart.
The registrar of voters is expected to release their next round of election results by Friday night at 6 p.m.