Fort Bragg, CA
Home MenuCity Elections
General Municipal Election
The City of Fort Bragg's next municipal election will be held in consolidation with the Mendocino County General Election, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To register to vote, go to:
- Secretary of State – registertovote.ca.gov
- Mendocino County Elections – mendocinocounty.org/government/assessor-county-clerk-recorder-elections/registertovote, or call 707-234-6822 to have a voter registration application sent to you.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
Candidate Nomination Period
The candidate filing and nomination period is scheduled for July 15, 2024 to August 9, 2024 (unless an incumbent doesn’t apply, then the date is extended to August 14, 2024 for non-incumbents.) All candidates running for office in the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election must complete all required paperwork and have it turned in to the City Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on the due date. Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk Department by calling 707-961-2823 ext.104 or by emailing dsanchez@fortbragg.com to make an appointment once the filing period has begun on July 15th.
Terms
- Councilmembers: Four (4) years, elected by the voters. If a Councilmember resigns their seat, the City Council will decide whether to appoint a new person to serve the remainder of the term, leave the seat vacant until the next scheduled election, or hold a special election to fill the seat.
- The two terms of office up for election are for the period of December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2028.
- Election to the office of City Council requires a 50% + 1 majority vote threshold.
- The Mayor is appointed every year on a rotational basis by the City Council.
City Council Meeting Schedule
Second and Fourth Monday of each month at 6 pm, as well as other special meetings, as scheduled. Council Members also sit on various Boards, Commissions, and Committees throughout the community on behalf of the City of Fort Bragg.
Qualifications
In order to be eligible to hold office as a member of the City Council, a candidate must be a registered voter within the corporate limits of the city of Fort Bragg at the time nomination documents are issued by the City Clerk. An eligible voter in the city of Fort Bragg must be an American citizen, 18 years of age or older, and a resident of the city. (Government Code Sections 34882, 34904, 36502).
Campaign Reporting Requirements
Every elected official and public employee who makes or influences governmental decisions is required by State Law to submit a Statement of Economic Interest, also known as the Form 700. The Form 700 provides transparency and ensures accountability in two ways:
1. It provides necessary information to the public about an official’s personal financial interests to ensure that officials are making decisions in the best interest of the public and not enhancing their personal finances.
2. It serves as a reminder to the public official of potential conflicts of interest so the official can abstain from making or participating in governmental decisions that are deemed conflicts of interest.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) provides free, expert advice at their toll free number: (866) ASK FPPC (275-3772). All campaign forms, most manuals, and instructions are available on their website.
Public Access Portal
Use the Public Access Portal to research campaign contributions and expenditures of local candidates and committees through NetFile. This system ensures the highest level of transparency and accountability so that voters and members of the public can be fully informed. Elected officials, candidates, and committees who are required to file campaign disclosure statements with the City of Fort Bragg must do so through the NetFile system. Once filed, campaign statements may be viewed by visiting the Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosure.
Filer Access Portal
Each committee will need one user ID and password to access the NetFile system. NetFile users may access the log-in page and instructions online. Once registered, filers will receive a Welcome letter from NetFile with further instructions. If you have questions regarding the online campaign filing process, email filerhelp@netfile.com.
California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Regulations
The Political Reform Act requires candidates and committees to file campaign statements by specified deadlines disclosing contributions received and expenditures made. These documents are public and may be audited by the FPPC and Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to ensure that voters are fully informed and improper practices prohibited. It is the responsibility of candidates and committees to understand the rules regulating their campaigns in California. Please review the Candidate Toolkit provided by FPPC.
Campaign Finance Reporting Calendar
The Political Reform Act requires that all open campaign committees be aware of the filing schedules associated with their specific election. Missing a filing deadline can have serious consequences ranging from monetary penalties, failure to be listed on the ballot, or FPPC enforcement action. Please review the filing schedule here.
If you are unsure which filing schedule applies to your election, you can Ask the FPPC for Advice.