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Candidates & Conversations - Voter Education Event

Candidates and Convesation

Election Season is among us and the UC Merced Campus Community is excited to engage in the civic responsibility and priviledge that is voting! The Community Engagement Center (CEC) and the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center invite students, staff, and faculty to engage in voter education prior to voting in an election. Participating in policy and governance is one of Pathways to Public Service - in which we can engage in our community to create positive change. Join us on Monday, October 14 in UC Merced's California Room from 5 - 6:30 PM to meet all Merced City Council Candidates. Registration is required and will be limited due to room capacity. If you require accomodations, please email Andrea Tafolla, at least 2 days prior to the event. Appetizers for all dietary restrictions will be provided.

Event Format

In order to give both participants and candidates an opportunity for a small group conversation, we will facilite the event with the following format: 

  1. Each City Council Candidate will be assigned to a round table. 
  2. Participants will select a table to sit at and converse with the candidate of that table. Candidates will talk about their platforms and why they have selected to go into Governance and Policy as one of the Pathways to Public Service.
  3. After 15 minutes, the moderator of the event will instruct participants to move to another table with another candidate for another 15 minute conversation. 
  4. After 15 minutes, we will repeat the process one more time. 

Community Guidelines

There is care in clarity -  so we request all candidates and participants to abide by the community guidelines that will contribute to a healthy and educational dialogue. 

  1. Hate speech WILL NOT be tolerated. Individuals using hate speech will be asked to leave the event. 
  2. Please listen actively and avoid interrupting others. 
  3. Treat all participants with respect and courtesy. 
  4. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory remarks. 
  5. Avoid spreading misinformation or unverified claims. 

 

Register using the form below: 

 


  1. Matthew Serratto

    Matthew Serratto is the Mayor of the City of Merced. He was first elected in 2020 after previously serving a term on the Merced City Council from 2016-2020 and is currently running for re-election this November. He is a graduate of UC Davis and UCLA School of Law.

    Anthony Levi Martinez

    BMy name is Anthony Martinez. I was born and raised in Merced. I am a teacher and coach. I am here to help evolve our city.

  2. Walter Smith

    Bio coming soon!

    Darin Dupont

    Darin DuPont is a Merced County native, born and raised, whose family has long ties to the Merced community. After graduating from Buhach Colony High School, Darin attended Merced College before transferring and attending George Mason University in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on Public Policy and he finished his education at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, graduating in 2021 with a Juris Doctorate with a concentration in Water and Environmental Law and a concentration in Public Policy/Government Law as a first generation graduate student. Darin has always believed in helping and contributing to his community professionally, as he is a civil attorney here in Merced. Darin is married to his beautiful wife, Bianca Minor-DuPont.

  3. Mike Harris

    Bio: As an Air Force veteran, first responder, and public servant, I have proudly served my country, community, and neighbors throughout my adult life. Following my service in the Air Force, I embarked on a systems management and technology career leading to consulting on strategic planning projects and developing software, including the multi-billion-dollar FAA Advanced Automation Project. As a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, I later transitioned to an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) career, where I implemented Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems nationwide I serve the City of Merced as Chair of the Planning Commission and member of the City Tax Transparency Commission. I hold an elected position on the Merced County Employee’s Retirement Association, and I served for 16 years on the Merced County Emergency Medical Care Committee.

    Sair Lara Rodriguez

    Bio: Sair Lara is an educator and business owner with over 17 years of experience in education. He grew up in Merced County and now runs his own education consulting company in Merced. Sair has been a strong advocate for District 3 and Downtown Merced, working tirelessly to improve the area. He is committed to continuing this work by serving on the city council to make a lasting impact.

    Cynthia Kelly

    Bio: I decided to run for District 3 in this election cycle after the same issues and concerns kept being repeated by neighbors and residents throughout our district: increased vandalism, thefts, speeding, crumbling roads, etc. Being a resident of District 3 for the past 17 years, I share these concerns, and frustration that our city leaders do not adequately address the concerns of District 3. I decided that our neighborhoods need a passionate advocate representing us on the council. My intentions are simple: be the voice for our District on the dias. I want to bring the concerns of our residents in District 3 to the forefront. I want to work collaboratively with other elected councilmembers to make decisions based on what the majority of the constituents feel would improve their lives as residents of Merced. I think that some officials on our council have gotten sidetracked-- they sometimes forget that they're answerable to the constituents in their districts, rather than to City management, or forget that they weren't elected to promote personal agendas.

  4. Sarah Boyle

    Sarah Boyle, your City Councilmember for District 5 in Merced, is seeking re-election to continue serving her community. Raised with strong values of hard work and service, she has contributed to Merced through roles in UC Merced’s External Relations Department and the local real estate industry. Over the past few years, Sarah has worked to improve the community by supporting infrastructure projects, local businesses, and opportunities for youth. She has always prioritized transparency, accountability, and collaboration on the City Council, working closely with fellow council members and community members to address public safety, affordable housing, and economic development. Sarah is committed to continuing this work to make Merced a thriving place to live, work, and raise a family, with a focus on finding solutions that benefit all residents.

    Alex Carrillo

    Alex Carrillo has been serving the Central Valley for over a decade as a Community Organizer, Small Business Owner and Advocate for students and working families. Alex currently works as the Director of Communications and Public Policy for the UC Merced Community and Labor Center,where he elevates rural worker rights and immigrant community voices to ensure they’re not excluded from the decision making process. He is currently running for Merced City Council District 5 to ensure more for Merced.Through his work and conversations with the residents of Merced, Alex understands that residents want more economic prosperity, accessible housing, city infrastructure & services and community engagement. Residents want More for Merced and Alex Carrillo is running for Merced City Council District 5 to ensure that happens.