FROM:
City Clerk
SUBJECT:
Title
Calling of the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election to be conducted by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters; and Providing Regulations for Candidates
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-046, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, Calling And Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Fontana on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers of the City as Required By the Provisions of the Laws of The State of California Relating To General Law Cities;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-047, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be held on the date Pursuant To § 10403 of the Elections Code;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-048, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates Statements Submitted to the Voters at a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• To concentrate on inter-governmental relations by working cooperatively with neighboring jurisdictions.
• To concentrate on inter-governmental relations by establishing partnerships and positive working relationships with other public agencies providing services to residents.
• To increase citizen involvement by seeking community input.
DISCUSSION:
In order to meet the requirements of the California Elections Code, now is the appropriate time for the City Council to call the General Municipal Election for November 3, 2026, to elect a Mayor, two City Council members (One Council Member for each District: District 1 and District 4), City Clerk, and City Treasurer, as terms for these positions expire in December 2026, and to request the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the City’s General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election.
Before holding an election, the City Council must adopt three resolutions:
1. The first resolution calls and gives notice of the election and requests the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election and canvass the results;
2. The second resolution request the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to consent to consolidation of the Statewide General Election being held on the same day, and
3. The third resolution adopts regulations for the candidates’ statements.
The nomination filing period is from July 13 through August 7, 2026. If an eligible incumbent does not file, a five-day extension will permit filing until Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., for that seat only. Candidates will also provide a deposit for costs associated with printing a candidate statement (200 words or less) in the sample ballot, should they choose to provide one. A deposit of no less than $1,000 will also be collected from each candidate as a measure to ensure accountability among candidates and reimburse the City for costs associated with removing non-compliant campaign signs. The deposit will be waived for candidates who opt not to erect any signage during their campaign period or whose gross annual household income does not exceed the area median income threshold for San Bernardino County.
As for the election, the Registrar will administer, manage and oversee the operational portion of the City’s election, including the voting processes, ballot counting and canvass of the votes, which will take place at the Registrar’s office. The Chief Deputy City Clerk will continue to serve as the Elections Official, manage the candidates, nomination filing process, Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) filings, creating/publishing official election notices relating to calling an election and nominations, and serve as the liaison between the City and Registrar.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost for an election is based on the number of registered voters. Once the election is conducted, the County Registrar of Voters’ will submit the actual costs associated with the election, which could come in higher or even lower than the estimated costs. Staff has budgeted $140,900.00 in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Adopted Operating Budget in account #10122000-8130.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.