ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Julie Drimakis, City Clerk
DATE: May 20, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution calling for the General Municipal Election for Wards 1, 3, 4 and 7 and requesting consolidation with the County of Kern for the Statewide General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Section 67 of the Charter of the City of Bakersfield prescribes that a General Municipal Election of members of the Council shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monda y in November of each even-numbered year. Thus, it is necessary for the City Council to adopt a resolution calling and giving notice for the General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026, for Wards 1, 3, 4 and 7 . The Resolution also requests the County of Kern Board of Supervisors to consolidate the General Municipal Election with the Statewide Election. The attached Resolution authorizes Kern County Elections to canvas the returns, provide other election services in accordance with State election laws, o ur City Charter, and authorizes the City to reimburse the County for actual costs related to services rendered.
The Council seats open for election are currently filled by:
Ward 1 – Eric Arias
Ward 3 – Ken Weir
Ward 4 – Bob Smith
Ward 7 – Manpreet Kaur
If this Resolution is approved by City Council as attached, the filing period for nomination papers, will be July 13, 2026 through August 7, 2026. The nomination period will be extended to August 12, 2026, should an incumbent not file by the deadline. The e lected City Councilmembers will be sworn into office on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, or as soon thereafter as appropriate.
Included for review is the City Clerk's Election calendar. The calendar provides information regarding filing deadlines, campaign reporting deadlines and other important dates. The calendar is not intended as legal advice and is for general guidance only. The calendar is available to the public through the City Clerk's Office and on the City's webpage.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City reimburses the County for City’s share of costs . The cost of every election varies based on a variety of factors. The total cost of the General Municipal Election for these same wards in 2022 was approximately $162,000.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Election calendar