City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JANUARY 6, 2026 FROM: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ORDER AND CALL FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON JUNE 2, 2026 ISSUE:
Adopt a resolution pursuant to Charter Section 500 to call a General Municipal Election on June 2, 2026, for the election of City Council Members representing Wards 2, 4 and 6 for four-year terms.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The City Council:
Adopt a resolution calling the General Municipal Election on June 2, 2026, for City Council Wards 2, 4, and 6, and request the County Registrar of Voters to provide election services, with full reimbursement from the city; and Maintain the policy requiring candidates to pay for publishing a Candidate Statement of up to 200 words.
Direct the City Clerk to carry out all administrative duties in accordance with the City Charter and California Elections Code.
BACKGROUND
Per Charter Section 500 and California Elections Code, the City Council must call the election and submit a resolution to the Board of Supervisors and Registrar of Voters at least 88 days prior. The resolution must request consolidation with the statewide election, specify the offices to be voted on, and acknowledge that the election will follow statewide procedures.
Ordinance No. 7636, adopted June 13, 2023, revised ward boundaries under the FAIR MAPS Act. The City Council representatives and terms of office for even-numbered wards remain unchanged until the 2026 election.
DISCUSSION
Under Elections Code (E.C.) Section 13307, candidates may submit a 200-word candidate statement of qualifications for inclusion in voter materials. Costs for printing, translations, and distribution are charged to the candidates. Staff recommend continuing this practice.
Candidates may also submit an electronic statement for publication on the City’s election webpage and in digital voter guides. This option is cost-effective and informative for voters.
The deposit required by the candidates at the time of nomination:
Printed - $700
Electronic - $260
Registered Voters (as of December 16, 2026):
Ward 2: 20,919
Ward 4: 30,696
Ward 6: 20,894
Nomination Period
Per Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Section 1.15.010 and E.C. Section 10407, the nomination period is February 9 – March 6, 2026. If an incumbent does not file the period for that ward extends to March 11, 2026 (incumbents may not file during the extension).
A Candidate Workshop will be held on March 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to guide candidates through the nomination process, eligibility, Fair Political Practices Commission filings, and statement regulations. A candidate handbook will be provided.
Candidates unable to attend the workshop should schedule an appointment with the Elections Official/City Clerk for assistance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost of up to $309,000 is available in the City Clerk FY 2025/2026 operating budget.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk/Election Official Certified as to
Availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Chief Financial Officer Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachment: Resolution - Calling Election
Call General Municipal Election • Page 2