Information for Prospective Candidates

The nomination period is open from Monday, July 13, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. 

The City Clerk will issue the Nomination Paper and Candidate Packet during the nomination period. Please call (760) 256-3531 to make an appointment with the City Clerk as the process takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

City Hall Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The City Clerk's Office will only be open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on August 7, 2026 (the last day of the nomination period), by appointment only.

The following City Council Seats are up for election as part of the November 2026 General Election:

Member of the City Council (District 1)                    Full term of four (4) years
Member of the City Council (District 2)                    Full term of four (4) years

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Nomination period open: July 13, 2026
• Standard nomination period closed (deadline to file papers): August 7, 2026
• Extended nomination period closes (deadline to file for a seat if the incumbent does not file): August 22, 2026
• Secretary of State Randomized Alphabet Drawing (order of candidates will be placed on the ballot): August 13, 2026
• Candidates can begin to post campaign signs (60 days prior to election): Friday, September 4, 2026
• Deadline to register to vote: October 19, 2026
• Election Day: November 3, 2026
• County election officials will begin mailing ballots by October 5, 2026
• Secure ballot drop-off locations open on October 6, 2026
• In person early voting locations throughout California will open on Saturday, October 31, 2026
• November 3 is the last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3.