REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the Election of one Mayor and two Councilmembers, one each for Council Districts 2 and 3; Requesting the Consolidation and Performance of Services from the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters of the Municipal Election with the Statewide Election; and Adopting Regulations for Candidate Statements of Qualifications Submitted to the Voters and Levying a Share of the Cost of the Candidates’ Statements
Report
DISCUSSION
The terms of the following elected officials will expire in November 2026: Mayor Lisa Gillmor; Councilmember Karen Hardy (Council District 3); and Councilmember Raj Chahal (Council District 2).
Attached for Council consideration is a Resolution: 1) Calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the election of one Mayor, and two Councilmembers, one each for Council Districts 2 and 3; 2) Requesting the Consolidation and Performance of Services from the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters of the Municipal Election with the Statewide Election; and 3) Adopting Regulations for Candidate Statements of Qualifications Submitted to the Voters and Levying a Share of the Cost of the Candidates’ Statements.
Note: This item does not include any action with respect to the pending proposal for a Charter update. In the event that the City Council decides to proceed with a Charter update, the call for the election and the budget to fully fund any such proposal would need to be amended at that time.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost received by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters for holding the General Municipal Election for the Mayoral and two Council District seats is approximately $332,000. The additional cost for a Charter amendment ballot measure is estimated at $295,000; which would bring the total potential election costs to $627,000.
The FY 2026/27 election budget totals $553,600, which includes $453,600 for general election costs and an additional $100,000 for a potential Charter amendment ballot measure. There is sufficient election funding for the Mayoral and two Council District seats. If the City Council decides to proceed with the Charter amendment ballot measure, additional funding of approximately $73,400 will be necessary, and a General Fund budget amendment will be brought forward to cover that additional cost.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the Finance Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the Election of One Mayor and Two Councilmembers, one each for Council Districts 2 and 3; Requesting the Consolidation and Performance of Services from the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters of the Municipal Election with the Statewide Election; and Adopting Regulations for Candidate Statements of Qualifications Submitted to the Voters and Levying a Share of the Cost of the Candidates’ Statements.
Staff
Prepared by: Nora Pimentel, Assistant City Clerk
Reviewed by: Marguerite Malloy, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Bob O’Keefe, City Clerk
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution