Run for local office

Serving as an elected official is a key part of our local democratic process. We help you understand the process, rules, fees, and deadlines.

• The next General Municipal Election is set for Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• Positions available:
  • City of San Rafael
    • Councilmember - District 2/West
    • Councilmember - District 3/East
  • Board of Education
    • Board of Education Trustee - Area 2
    • Board of Education Trustee - Area 4

The nomination process can be complicated and filing deadlines are strict. It is a good idea to file your candidate documents early. This way, you usually have enough time to correct any mistakes before the deadline.

This video explains the process:

1. Check eligibility

To run for office, you need to be a registered voter in the District or Trustee Area where you’re running when you file Nomination Papers. Here’s what you need to know for both the City of San Rafael and the Board of Education:

City of San Rafael

• Voter registration: Be registered in the City of San Rafael at the time you file Nomination Papers, and for district seats, be registered in the specific district
• Residency: Live in the city of San Rafael

Board of Education

• Voter registration: Must be registered to vote in the specific Trustee Area
• Age: At least 18 years old
• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the state
• Residency: Live in the school district area up for election
• Legal status: Not legally disqualified from holding office

2. Declaring your candidacy

If you're planning to raise or spend campaign funds, you’ll need to file Form 501 (Candidate Intention) before you start soliciting contributions or using any personal funds for your campaign (including loans). Get a hard copy from the City Clerk or download it from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

File this form with the City Clerk.

For tips on staying compliant with the Political Reform Act, check out the FPPC's Candidate Toolkit.

3. Complete the new candidate application

Before you can pick up your candidate documents, fill out a New Candidate Application. [ADD LINK]

4. Pick up your nomination papers

State law requires us to issue candidate documents in-person. You need to make an appointment with the City Clerk to pick them up.

5. File your financial and campaign disclosure documents

The FPPC sets the campaign filing requirements for local candidates, and the City Clerk is here to help with local campaign disclosure statements. It's important to file the right forms and reports on time, as missing deadlines or failing to file can lead to penalties. You can get the necessary forms from the City Clerk’s Office or the FPPC website.

Forms

• Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501): File this form with the City Clerk before you start soliciting contributions or using any personal funds for your campaign.
• Statement of Organization Recipient Committee (Form 410): If you raise $2,000 or more in a calendar year, you’ll need to file this form with the Secretary of State and a copy with the City Clerk. This form discloses your campaign bank account details and gets you a campaign committee ID.
• Recipient Committee Campaign Statement (Form 460): If you have a controlled committee or raise/spend $2,000 or more during a calendar year, you’ll need to file this form periodically before and after the election.
• Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470): Use this form if you don’t plan to raise or spend $2,000 in connection with your candidacy. File it with the City Clerk.
• Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700): Disclose all reportable investments, property interests, and income. These statements are public records and available for review.

Key points from the Political Reform Act

• Transparency: Election campaign receipts and expenditures should be fully disclosed to keep voters informed and prevent improper practices. (Gov. Code §81002(a))
• Conflict of Interest: Public officials must disclose assets and income that might be affected by their actions and avoid conflicts of interest. (Gov. Code §81002(c))

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the City Clerk’s Office. We’re here to help you through the process.

You are encouraged to schedule appointments during the nomination period to obtain and file nomination papers. Call or email us to schedule an appointment.

Resources

• Limitations and Restrictions on Gifts, Honoraria, Travel and Loans
• FPPC Manual 2 – Local Candidates
• Get advice from FPPC
  • By email
  • Phone: 1-866-275-3772