Pinole Voters to be Asked Whether to Establish an Elected Mayor

MEASURES D, E, & F – PINOLE VOTERS TO BE ASKED WHETHER TO ESTABLISH AN ELECTED MAYOR DURING SPECIAL ELECTION ON JUNE 2, 2026

Pinole, CA, April 2, 2026 – At its meeting on February 3, 2026, the Pinole City Council voted 3–2 to place a measure on the June 2, 2026 special election ballot asking voters whether the City should establish the office of mayor as an elected position. The Council’s action follows its December 2, 2025 direction to City staff to prepare the necessary materials to present the question to the community.

Currently, Pinole elects its five councilmembers at-large, and the position of mayor rotates annually among them. This rotation is based on a long-standing tradition in which the councilmember who received the highest number of votes in the most recent election is prioritized in the mayoral rotation schedule. The proposed ballot measure would change this system by creating a citywide elected mayoral position (Measure D). The ballot will also ask voters whether the length of mayoral term should be two years (Measure E) of four years (Measure F). If the first question receives a majority of yes votes at the election, then the term of the Mayor, two years or four years, shall be that preferred by a majority of those voting on the questions.

“The Council’s action places this question directly in the hands of Pinole voters,” said the Mayor. “This decision allows the community to determine how they would like future mayors to be selected and what structure best supports the City’s governance moving forward.”
State law outlines the role of an elected mayor in general law cities such as Pinole. An elected mayor holds the same powers and duties as other members of the City Council, with a few additional responsibilities. The position would not include the expanded executive authorities associated with “strong mayor” systems used in some charter cities.

If voters approve the measure, the new ordinance (Chapter 2.10 of the Pinole Municipal Code) would provide that the elected mayor receive compensation at the same rate as that established for members of the City Council, along with the same health and welfare benefits provided to City employees.

Additional information about the June 2026 special election and the proposed establishment of an elected mayor will be available at https://www.pinole.gov/measure-chapter-2-10/. Voting and registration information is also available at: https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/voter-registration/my-voting-information/#VoterLookupandSampleBallotSearch