Elections

November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election

PositionTerm BeginsTerm Ends
Councilmember - Districts 3, and 4
December 14, 2026December 9, 2030
Mayor - At LargeDecember 14, 2026December 11, 2028


A candidate does not qualify for the ballot until nomination papers have been filed with the City Clerk and signatures have been verified as sufficient. Candidates are listed from earliest to latest by the date they pull papers.

On August 13, 2026, the Secretary of State will conduct its randomized alphabet drawing pursuant to Elections Code Section 13112. This drawing determines the order of candidates’ names on the ballot, starting with the last name, followed by the first name, and then the middle name if applicable. If multiple candidates have the same initial letter in their last name, the order is determined by the next letter, and so on, until a difference is found.

Voter Education Resources

2024 Election Resolutions:

TOT Measure E2024 Resolutions:

Key dates:

  • Nomination period for November 2026 Election yet to be declared. 

Nomination papers may not be obtained before this date.

Standard nomination period closes: August 2026, 5:00 p.m. 

This is the deadline for filing nomination papers, unless the deadline is extended (see below).

Extended candidate nomination period closes (deadline extended IF an incumbent does not file): August 2026, 5:00 p.m. 

Information for Prospective Candidates

Residents interested in running for office are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office early for information about required paperwork and filing deadlines. The City Clerk offers hour-long appointments to discuss the prospect of running for office with any interested resident. 

Solvang City Clerk's Office

City Hall, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang CA 93463 (Mon.—Fri., 8 a.m.—5 p.m.)

Phone (805) 688-5575 x206

Email City Clerk Annamarie Porter: aporter@cityofsolvang.com 

These meetings can take up to an hour, and it cannot be guaranteed that the Clerk will be available unless an appointment is made. 

Qualifications for Office

Candidates must live and be registered to vote in the incorporated City of Solvang at the time nomination papers are obtained, and have resided continuously in Solvang for at least thirty days immediately preceding the appointment or final filing date for nomination papers and throughout the term of office. Individuals who intend to run for office must file certain Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) forms with the City Clerk's Office before soliciting any campaign contributions or making any campaign expenditures. In order for a candidate's name to appear on the ballot, the candidate must obtain a candidate materials binder from the City Clerk's Office, and submit all required nomination paperwork, including a petition signed by other city voters, during the specified nomination period. Other filing requirements include FPPC forms disclosing certain economic interests, and information about campaign contributions and expenditures.

*Voter Eligibility and Registration 

In order to be eligible to vote in California, an individual must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, and 18 years of age or older on Election Day. Additional limitations may apply. In order to vote in an incorporated City of Solvang election, or nominate a candidate for a City of Solvang elected office, an individual must be registered to vote at an address in the incorporated City of Solvang. 

Verify your voter registration status: Visit https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or call Santa Barbara County Elections at (800) 722-8683. 

Register or update your voter registration: Visit http://registertovote.ca.gov. 

Paper voter registration forms are available at Santa Barbara County elections office, local libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and US Post Offices. However, online registration is secure and fast and is recommended.

Additional voter registration information may be found at www.sos.ca.gov. 

If you miss the standard registration deadline, you can still register to vote conditionally and cast a ballot up to and including Election Day.

Election Times

A General Election is held in the City of Solvang in November of every even-numbered year for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two Council Members. Additionally, ballot measures affecting Solvang may appear on the ballot. The City consolidates its election activities with those of the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's Office, which provides for voter registration, ballot materials, polling places, and other critical elections functions. Other Special Elections may be held when necessary.

City Council Elections

Each election year, a Mayor is elected for a two-year term, and two Council Members are elected for a four-year term. These individuals are elected by, and from among, the registered voters of the incorporated City of Solvang within the District of which they represent. More information about the Council's role and current members is available on our City Council webpage. 

The Solvang City Clerk's Office is the receiving agency for nomination papers for City Council candidates. Potential candidates, and citizens interested in more information about candidates, are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at 805-688-5575 x206 or by email aporter@cityofsolvang.com for more information.

Ballot Measures

Ballot measures affecting Solvang may be specific to Solvang, or they may be part of a countywide initiative. The Solvang City Council may add a measure to ballot, or a measure may be added by a citizen or entity who submits a qualifying petition. 

The Solvang City Clerk's Office is the receiving agency for petitions for the placement of Solvang-specific measures on the ballot. State law governs the timing and form of ballot measure petitions, and potential proponents are strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk for more information before undertaking petitioning activity.

Campaign Contribution Limits

Solvang has no local campaign contribution limits. 

Initiatives, Referendums and Recalls

The City Clerk's Office cannot interpret laws or offer legal advice, and, if applicable, we strongly suggest seeking legal counsel to ensure that your actions are in full compliance with California Elections Code.

Ballot Initiatives and Referendums

California Elections Code outlines the process for circulating petitions for ballot initiatives and referendums. The requirements may differ based upon the type of legislation to determine what applies to the situation, for more information, please consult California Elections Code Sections 9200-9226 and California Elections Code Sections 9235-9247.

Recall Initiatives

The California Secretary of State offers a detailed description of the process for initiating a recall for local officials.


Elections - Role of the City Clerk

The City Clerk is responsible for the administration of all municipal elections by:

Serving as Elections Official and issuing nomination papers to potential candidates;

Serving as Elections Official for the initiative and referendum process;

Serving as Filing Officer for Campaign Statements and Statements of Economic Interests as required by the Political Reform Act and administered by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Maintaining the City’s election history.