Candidate Guide and Helpful Information

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 next general municipal election for the City of Los Altos will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Nomination papers are available by appointment only at City Hall. The deadline to file all required nomination documents is Friday, August 9, 2024, at 5 PM.  For more information or to make an appointment to obtain nomination papers, please contact Melissa Thurman City Clerk at mthurman@losaltosca.gov.

To see a list of candidates who have pulled and/or qualified for the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ballot, please click here.

To Get Started

• Step 1: Read through the 2024 Candidate 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.