City Council Election Process

In November of even numbered years there is a City Council election. If you’ve decided to run for City Council, we urge you to follow all the appropriate steps listed for a successful start to your campaign.  

The "Nomination Period" opens mid-July and runs through mid-August.  This is important to note since this is the time period during which interested individuals must obtain, complete, submit and qualify to become City Council candidates. 

To start, those interested in becoming a Los Altos City Council candidate must first be residents and registered voters in the city of Los Altos. 

To Get Started 

Step 1: Read through the City's election guide, which briefly summarizes the major provisions related to candidates running for office in the city of Los Altos.  Election Guides for upcoming elections are typically available mid-June for the November election. 

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with the City Clerk, where the correct forms will be provided, the current Election Guide will be reviewed, and any questions can be asked. This appointment will last approximately an hour.  

Step 3: Complete and file the required paperwork during the Nomination Period.  To file the completed paperwork, please schedule an appointment with the City Clerk before the end of the Nomination Period.  Filing of the Nomination Papers can take up to 90 minutes.

To schedule an appointment or if you have questions, please contact the City Clerk, Melissa Thurman at mthurman@losaltosca.gov or (650) 947-2610 (please leave a VM). 

Important Dates

Nomination Period

Candidate Checklist

• Nomination papers. Email Melissa Thurman at mthurman@losaltosca.gov to receive the required papers.
• FPPC Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests (see below)
• Statement of Qualifications (Optional)
  • A 200-word document that is in the Sample Ballot sent to all registered votes. This statement acquaints the voters with the candidate and their positions. 
• Fee for the Statement of Qualifications (If filing a Statement of Qualifications)
• Acknowledgment of Responsibility of Cost of Candidate Statement/Statement of Qualifications
• Election Paperwork Packet (Please email mthurman@losaltosca.gov to inquire about these documents)
  • Form for Chinese Given Name/Preferred Transliteration
  • Request For Vietnamese Name Accents
  • Candidate Information Request Form
  • Ballot Designation Worksheet
  • Statement of Fair Campaign Practices (Optional)