AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt the Following Resolutions Pertaining to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election (CLK)
(a) Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the General Municipal Election;
(b) Resolution Requesting the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to Render Specified Services for the Conduct of a General Municipal Election;
(c) Resolution Setting Forth the Council’s Policy Regarding Impartial Analysis, Arguments, and Rebuttal Arguments for Any Measure(s) that May Qualify to be Placed on the Ballot; and
(d) Resolution Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates’ Statements Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Election
MEETING DATE:
April 1, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Olivia Nashed, City Clerk
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt resolutions pertaining to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election with respect to calling and noticing the election, consolidating the election with the County, setting forth the policy for any ballot measures, and adopting regulations for candidates’ statements, as required by the California Elections Code.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Calling for an Election:
The 2026 General Municipal Election for three City Council seats (one each for Districts 1, 2, and 3) will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The current terms of Council Member Nakanishi (District 1), Council Member Craig-Hensley (District 2) and Council Member Bregman (District 3) are expiring. Therefore, it is necessary for the City Council to adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a General Municipal Election in the City of Lodi on November 3, 2026.
Consolidation with the County:
On October 19, 1988, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1438 consolidating municipal elections with statewide general elections. The ordinance was approved by the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors on February 7, 1989. The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters’ Office will provide certain services for the conduct of the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election. The City will reimburse the County for these services when the work is completed and upon presentation of a properly audited invoice to the City.
Ballot Measures:
The California Elections Code states that when a City measure qualifies for a place on the ballot, the governing body may direct the elections official to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney for preparation of an impartial analysis. The Elections Code further sets forth the process for receiving arguments for and against the measure(s) and for the submittal of rebuttal arguments.
Candidates’ Statements:
The Elections Code allows each candidate, for a non-partisan elective office in a city, to prepare a statement to be included with the sample ballot and mailed to each registered voter. Candidate statements are designed to acquaint voters with a candidate’s qualifications for the office they are seeking. The law requires the Council to adopt a policy no later than seven days before the commencement of the nomination period, regarding the candidates’ statements and obligations for payment. Elections Code §13307 allows the City to estimate the total cost of printing, handling, translating, and mailing the candidates’ statements and requires each candidate filing a statement to pay in advance to the City his or her pro rata share, as estimated through the County Registrar of Voters, as a condition of having his or her statement included in the voters’ pamphlet. As is customary for previous elections, it is recommended that the City Council authorize charging the candidates for the actual costs associated with candidate statements. It is also recommended that the City Council approve the 200-word limitation for candidate statements.
The Elections Code includes provisions for performing election-related tasks during regular business hours, as posted, and extending the deadline to the next regular business day if necessary. The City is on a 9/80 schedule. The relevant schedule is attached and will be posted as part of the election notices.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact is undetermined at this time. Election fees will be calculated by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters and the City of Lodi will be invoiced.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Funding will be requested during the FY 26-27 budget cycle.