Elections Information
June 2, 2026 Special Election
On February 3, 2026 the City Council called a special election on June 2, 2026 for the purpose of placing a measure on the ballot.
MEASURE ADDING CHAPTER 2.10 (OFFICE OF THE MAYOR) TO THE PINOLE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AS AN ELECTED POSITION
For information regarding arguments for the ballot measure, please visit the City of Pinole Ballot Measures Page. The deadline to submit arguments to the City Clerk is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Conducting Elections
The City Clerk is the City Elections Official and is responsible for administering the City’s general municipal elections and special elections for both candidates and measures; and processing petitions relating to initiatives, recalls and referendums.
The City of Pinole General Municipal Election is held during even-numbered years. The City Council is comprised of five members elected at large to four-year terms. The Mayor is rotated amongst the Council on a yearly basis. In addition to Council Members, the City Treasurer is also an elected position.
The next general municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Eligibility and Candidacy
To be eligible to run for City Council or Treasurer, a candidate must be a resident of Pinole and a registered voter at the time nomination papers are issued.
Nomination Period
This is the period when individuals officially receive, circulate and file nomination papers for candidacy. The candidate nomination period is determined by Election Code and begins 113 days prior to the election date. Candidates must wait until the nomination period begins to obtain a nomination packet from the City Clerk.
Extended Filing Period
If nomination papers for an incumbent elective officer are not fulfilled by the filing deadline, the filing period for that office is extended 5 calendar days for non-incumbents only. There shall be no extended filing period for candidates where the incumbent cannot file due to term limits or for offices that are vacant.
Election Code: 8024
Please note: Candidates must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to take out and/or file nomination papers.
Candidates can refer to the Candidate Information Guide for more detailed information on the nomination process.
Voter Information
Voter Registration
Registration is permanent and a new affidavit of registration need only be executed if you have changed your name, address or wish to change your political party affiliation.
You are eligible to register to vote if you are:
- A United States citizen, and
- A resident of Contra Costa County, and
- 18 years of age or older on Election Day, and
- Not in prison, or on parole, serving state prison sentence in a county jail, or serving sentence for a felony, and
- Not found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law.
The deadline to register or re-register to vote for any elections is on the 15th calendar day before the election. Register online by visiting the California Secretary of State website. Registration forms are also available at any Department of Vehicles office, most post offices, public libraries and at Pinole City Hall.
Conditional Voter Registration
Conditional Voter Registration is a new safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or to update their voter registration information. While you may not be able to vote at your regular polling place or vote by mail, there will be an opportunity to cast a ballot by completing the conditional voter registration process.
Eligible citizens who miss the deadline can go to their county elections office or a designated satellite location to register and vote conditionally. Their ballots will be processed once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.
Have additional questions about your local conditional voter registration locations? Contact the Contra Costa Elections Office at (925) 335-7800 or visit their website by clicking here.
Pre-Register to Vote
To pre-register to vote in California, you must:
- Be 16 or 17 years old, and
- A United States citizen and a resident of California, and
- Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony, and
- Not prohibited from voting by a court because of mental incompetency.
You will automatically be registered to vote on your 18th birthday. To pre-register click here.
Resources:
- City of Pinole Chapter 1.16: Local Campaign Contributions Limits
- City of Pinole Voluntary Local Campaign Expenditure Limitation for Candidates to Elected Offices
- City of Pinole Political Signs Restrictions