How often is City Council elected?

The position of City Council is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in California?

Filing fee is $$25. Petition signature requirement is Not less than 50 nor more than 75 voters

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the county clerk's office.

Where is the filing office?

70 West Hedding Street 1st Floor, East Wing San Jose, CA 95110

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 408-299-5688.

How do I get started running for City Council?

You can start running for City Council by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for City Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

How to Run for City Council in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California

About City Council

About this position

The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.

Office level: City
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $94,760 / year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for City Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
A registered elector and resident of the municipality and district/ward, if any; a citizen of the state of California
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $$25. Petition signature requirement is Not less than 50 nor more than 75 voters
Filing period
July 15, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the county clerk's office.
Where to file
70 West Hedding Street 1st Floor, East Wing San Jose, CA 95110
Filing phone
408-299-5688
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

Candidates for City Council

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for City Council.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in San Jose.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for San Jose's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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How to Run for City Council in San Jose, CA

About City Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for City Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

Candidates for City Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for San Jose's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

How to Run for City Council: Requirements, Duties, and Steps

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