Compton voters face choices this election that will shape the city well past the next four years.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with a mayor's race between Emma Sharif and Andre Spicer and an open seat in the Second Council District.

In this issue's cover story, Alonzo "Lonzo" Williams makes one thing clear right away: he is not endorsing or opposing any candidate.

What he is pushing is a process, one that puts qualifications, performance, accountability and vision at the center of every ballot.

In a close-knit city, many voters grew up with the candidates, went to school with them, worshiped beside them or worked with them.

Those ties are real, Williams says, but they should not decide who runs the city.

He suggests every voter ask a few honest questions before marking a ballot.

What has this candidate accomplished, and what relevant experience do they bring?

Do they understand the challenges facing Compton, and do they have a realistic plan to address them?

Can they show sound judgment and the ability to work with others to get things done?

The stakes are higher with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, bringing possible tourism, business and economic development opportunities the next leaders will have to pursue.

Local races can be decided by small margins, which means every single ballot can matter.

Williams asks residents to do their homework, study records and accomplishments, and not let a friendship or a grudge make the decision for them.

Whoever wins, he notes, Compton residents still have to live, work and move the city forward together.

His bottom line: choose qualifications over popularity, performance over promises and leadership over personal loyalty.

Informed voting is how residents turn a mark on a ballot into a real voice in Compton's future.