Election Information

The City Council is made up of an elected Mayor and four district Councilmembers. On November 3, 2020, the first District elections took place for a separately elected Mayor and Councilmembers for District 1 and District 3. Councilmembers for District 2 and District 4 were selected by voters in those districts in the 2022 General Election. Pursuant to Resolution 2023-057, a Deputy Mayor was appointed on an annual rotation. There are no term limits for City Councilmembers. 

Solana Beach's General Municipal Election is held in even numbered years on the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November. The next General Municipal Election will be held on November 3, 2026. The City contracts with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters to provide certain election services. 

General Municipal Election - November 3, 2026     

   Check your voter registration

This next Municipal Election will be conducted to elect Councilmembers to represent District 2 and District 4. To run for office, you may pull nomination papers and file them only during the nomination period July 13, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Contact the City Clerk to make an appointment. If you begin a funding campaign you will file your forms on the City's website. See Local Election Information tab below.  

Notices of Upcoming 2024 Election (all languages)

 

Local Election Information

Who are my elected City, County, State and Federal representatives?

Find your local, state and federal voting districts here.
 

City of Solana Beach Representatives:

San Diego County Representative:

California State Representatives:

U.S. House of Representatives

Local Candidate Instructions: November 3, 2026 Election

The nomination period for City Council candidates for Districts 2 and 4 will take place Monday, July 13, 2026 through Friday, August 7, 2026. Nomination papers will be issued to qualified voters of the City and/or designated districts during this time. Current City Council. Candidates must be a registered voter of the District for which they are seeking elective office.
Nomination papers may be obtained at City Hall (635 S.  Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA) by appointment from the City Clerk. Completed nomination papers may be filed at City Hall during normal business hours (7:30 am - 5:30 pm Mon-Thurs. and alternate Fridays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) with the City Clerk. 

Find your Elective District here: San Diego Registrar of Voters: Voter Info Lookup

The following information will be updated once the documents are complete for 2026. These documents apply to the Nomination process. 2024 is below for reference: 

* Disclaimer: All information provided here is intended to address basic inquiries and may not be relied on for direction in place of meeting all required regulations necessary to meet compliance and qualification. Candidates and Authors should consult with experts that may assist in interpretation of the election process.* 
Local Candidate Status: November 3, 2026 Election 

 

A Candidate Nomination status list will begin July 13, 2026 once Candidates pull the required paperwork.  

 

Local Campaign Activity Rules, Codes, and Regulations
* Disclaimer: All information provided here is intended to address basic inquiries and may not be relied on for direction in place of meeting all required regulations necessary to meet compliance and qualification. Candidates and Authors should consult with experts that may assist in interpretation of the election process.* 

Campaign Finance and Communications Activity Guide 2024

Local Election Code: Solana Beach Municipal Code 

In addition to meeting the State of California Elections Code, the City's Municipal Code, Chapter 2.24 Elections, contains specific City regulations including, but not limited to:

Local Committee Contribution Limits

Local contribution limits are updated annually by applying the San Diego County Consumer Price Index on January 1st (per SBMC 2.24.040 A). The contribution limits below were updated on January 7, 2025.  

  • Candidate and Controlled Committees are limited to receiving contributions of:
    • $270 per individual
    • $7,740 for aggregate contributions (from a combination of businesses, organizations, committees, etc.)
  • Ballot Measure Committees are not subject to contribution limits. 

Local Campaign Committee Filing Requirements

Activities considered campaign related for local elections of candidates and/or measures may require campaign statement filings per state and local codes and regulations. 

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) requires the Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement) to be filed with the City Clerk prior to any expenditures or soliciting/receiving of contributions, including a Candidate's expenditure of personal funds (the Candidate Statement fee).

City Committees (including Candidate Committees) are triggered for local filings when contributions or expenditures supporting/opposing a candidate or measure reach $200. Campaign Committee Form 410. This dollar amount is lower than the FPPC trigger of $2,000. Both filings are required, when each are triggered, in addition to the subsequent pre-election filings. 

Political Advertising Highlights

Local Campaign Statement Filings

Local election campaign statements are filed with the City Clerk.
Local Campaign Filings For filings prior to 2021, contact the City Clerk's office for copies.

Local Citizen Initiative Filing Fee

A Citizen Initiative filing fee is $200, per the City's user fee study as allowed by the California Election Code.

Campaign Sign Regulations

Solana Beach LOCAL Campaign Sign Regulations
There are size restrictions for campaign signage in Solana Beach. Election signs may be posted anytime before an election. All election signs must be removed within 10 days following election day. Open link above for the specifics code regulations. 

County of San Diego Campaign Sign Regulations (for City's border streets outside City boundaries) 

State of Ca. Dept. of Transportation Campaign Sign (regarding I-5 property right-of-way)    


Additional Helpful Links

San Diego County Registrar of Voters
General Registrar of Voters Election Information

Vote Center Locations & Ballot Drop Box Locations
California Secretary of State
Political Reform Act (Gov. Code 81000)

Note: The Elections Official, City Clerk, is responsible for coordinating and executing municipal elections, including distribution and qualification of nomination papers, and maintaining all campaign statements and conflict of interest filings required by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). It is the responsibility of all candidates/committees to follow constitutional, statutory, and City code provisions applicable to elections. 

Contact Us

City of Solana Beach (858) 720-2400