DATE: JUNE 2, 2026
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: PATRICIA M. SORATOS, CITY CLERK
ALEXIS MEJIA, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
TITLE: NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution ordering the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for the City of Salinas and requesting consolidation with the November 3, 2026 General Election; and requesting the County of Monterey Department of Elections conduct the election.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Article 3 of the Salinas City Charter provides for elections to be held in accordance with California Elections Code as long as they are not in conflict with the Charter. California Elections Code Division 10 outlines the general provisions and procedures for the conduct of local and consolidated elections. The terms of Councilmembers for Districts 2, 3, and 5 and the office of the Mayor are set to expire following the November 3, 2026 election and certification of the results.
Council is asked to consider ordering an election pursuant to California Elections Code section 10002 and Salinas City Charter section 3.3, requesting that the County of Monterey Department of Elections conduct the election, and request that it be consolidated with the regularly scheduled November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Salinas City Charter Article 2 Section 2.5 and 2.6, the following Council seats shall expire in November 2026: Mayor; Councilmembers District 2; District 3; and District 5. The Mayor is elected at-large for a two-year term. Councilmembers are elected by district for a four-year term.
In keeping with the California Elections Code, the regular nomination filing period opens on Monday, July 13, 2026, and closes on Friday, August 7, 2026. The regular filing period will be extended to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for any office for which the incumbent does not file or fails to qualify in accordance with Elections Code section 10225 and Charter Section 2.5. The municipal election shall be consolidated with the General Election on November 3, 2026. The resolution authorizes the City Clerk to procure the services of the County of Monterey Department of Elections for conducting the election. Notice of the election for officers must be published by no later than July 13, 2026. August 7, 2026 is the last day to request consolidation of the election or add initiatives to the November 3, 2026 ballot.
The City Clerk, as the Elections Official for the City of Salinas hereby requests the City Council’s authorization to consolidate the election for the aforementioned offices to be held on November 3, 2026.
Please note the attached notice from the Monterey County Registrar of Voters has an error on page 1, stating that Member, City Council, District 3 – is a two-year term, however the correct term is 4 years. The county is aware of the discrepancy and will correct this upon approval of this item by the City Council.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Consolidating the election on November 3, 2026, with the General Election and authorizing the Monterey County Elections Department to conduct the election on the City’s behalf supports the City Council’s strategic goal of City Services.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City Clerk is charged with the duty of conducting the election pursuant to California Elections Code section 320 with consultation from the City Attorney as needed.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
County of Monterey Department of Elections estimates that Salinas’ share for the cost of the election to be between $6.00 to $10.00 per registered voter, for a total estimated cost to the City between $423,186 and $705,310. Consolidating the City’s General Municipal Election with the General Election provides cost sharing with other jurisdictions within the County. Partial funding will be included in the Proposed FY 2026/27 budget. Should additional appropriation be required, the City will include it in the mid-year budget process.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Letter from Monterey County Elections Department
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