Elections in the City of Sonoma
The City Clerk's Office is responsible for conducting municipal elections within the City of Sonoma. The City of Sonoma conducts municipal elections on Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even numbered years. Five City Council Members are elected at large to staggered four-year terms of office.
The following information has been prepared to help guide voters of the City of Sonoma, potential candidates for office, and individuals and organizations participating in City elections. Ballot measure, candidate and voter assistance information will be posted to this website as it becomes available throughout the election season. Please contact Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk, if you have questions regarding elections in the City of Sonoma.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- In California, the deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days before Election Day. To vote in the November 2024 Election, your registration must be postmarked or submitted electronically no later than October 21, 2024.
- The next general municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, during which Sonoma voters will elect two members of the City Council.
- Elections for City of Sonoma offices are non-partisan.
- Council Members are elected at-large, not by district.
POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN SIGNS
Both State and local laws regulate the posting of political signs and distribution of handbills on public and private property. California Penal Code §556.1 requires prior consent before placing advertising on private property.
- City Regulations: Sonoma Municipal Code §18.12.090 (L) – Political Signs and §18.28.036 Prohibited locations – Sign posting in a public place
- State Regulations - Along a State Highway: Caltrans Temporary Political Signs
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND DISCLOSURE
- Contribution Limits - Sonoma Municipal Code §2.02.030 - For the 2024 General Municipal Election the limits have been adjusted to $520.00.* These limits apply to both monetary and non-monetary or "in-kind" contributions.
- Candidates and office holders are required to comply with federal, state and local campaign finance laws, as well as disclose their economic interests. They must file periodic reports on a schedule established by the Fair Political Practices Commission. For additional information regarding a candidate's obligations, visit the FPPC's Campaign Rules page.
* SMC 2.02.030 (E) - The City Clerk shall adjust the contribution limitations in subsections (A) through (C) of this section in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase or decrease in the Consumer Price Index. Those adjustments shall be rounded to the nearest $10.00.
MEASURE "T" DEADLINES -
Anyone interested in filing an argument, must submit it to the Office of the City Clerk/Elections Official by the following deadlines:
Initial Arguments - 5:00PM on July 31, 2024
Attorney's Impartial Analysis - 5:00PM on July 31, 2024
Rebuttal Arguments - 5:00PM on August 12, 2024*
Public Review Period - August 1 - August 12, 2024