CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: General Municipal Election – Approval of Resolution Calling Election for November 3, 2026, and Resolution Requesting Consolidation with the County of Los Angeles and Election Services; Update to Candidate Statement Cost Policy Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following:
Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election; Resolution Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to Consolidate the Election and Provide Election Services; and Resolution Updating and Reaffirming Candidate Statement Cost Regulations Pursuant to Elections Code §13307.
BACKGROUND
In compliance with the California Elections Code, the City Council must adopt resolutions to conduct the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election for the election of three members of the City Council for full four-year terms.
The required actions include:
Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of Election: Formally calls the General Municipal Election and establishes the nomination period; Resolution Requesting County Services and Consolidation: Requests the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to administer the election and consolidate it with the statewide election.
Pursuant to Elections Code §13307, the City must also maintain regulations governing candidate statements, including preparation, translation, and cost allocation. The City previously adopted candidate statement regulations under Resolution No. 19-126, which requires candidates to pay their proportional share of costs associated with candidate statements, including printing, handling, translation, and distribution, as determined by the County of Los Angeles.
Under federal and state law, the County is required to translate candidate statements into applicable languages, including Spanish. These services are provided by the County, and the associated costs are included in the total candidate statement cost estimate and are charged to candidates on a pro rata basis. Candidates may also elect to submit a candidate statement for electronic-only publication on the City or County website, which may reduce overall costs.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Adoption of the proposed resolutions will allow the City to proceed with the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election in compliance with state law.
The reaffirmation of candidate statement regulations ensures:
Consistency with Elections Code §13307;
Alignment with Los Angeles County election administration practices; Transparency and equity in cost allocation among candidates; and Full cost recovery for services provided, including translation required under the Voting Rights Act.
The County will provide an estimate of candidate statement costs, which may vary depending on the number of candidates and services required. Candidates must prepay their estimated share as a condition of inclusion in the voter information materials.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff’s recommendation; or
Provide alternative direction regarding election administration or candidate cost policy.
RELATIONSHIP TO 2016 STRATEGIC GOALS:
This item supports the City’s strategic goal of Community Quality of Life by ensuring fair, transparent, and legally compliant elections.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for the November 3, 2026, General Election is estimated to be $80,000 and will be included in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
Candidate statement costs are not borne by the City, as they are recovered directly from candidates in accordance with adopted policy.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution – Calling & Giving Notice
Resolution – Consolidating Services
Resolution – Candidate Statement Costs
Resolution No. 19-126
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager Recommended by: Pat Jacquez-Nares, Interim City Clerk
Reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Finance Director
Reviewed by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
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