Local Government & the Democratic Process
General municipal elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Members of the City Council are elected at large to serve the entire community rather than by district. The mayor is directly elected to a two-year term and the four City Council members are elected to four-year staggered terms.

In November of 1996, voters in Dublin established term limits which state generally that no one may serve more than eight consecutive years in any combination of positions on the City Council.

Candidate Requirements / Information
Anyone who is 18 years of age and who is a resident and registered voter in Dublin may run for a seat on the City Council.

The nomination period opens in mid-July and appropriate papers to file and run for office may be obtained from the City Clerk. Due to the magnitude of forms, schedules, and time lines during an election period, potential candidates for office may schedule an orientation meeting with the City Clerk.

In lieu of a filing fee, potential candidates are required to gather 20 signatures of registered Dublin voters on a supplied nomination form. Candidates who wish to have a statement of their qualifications published in the sample ballot, which goes to all registered voters, must pay their prorated share of the publishing / printing costs. This generally equals approximately $750 per candidate.

Note: Based on an established schedule, candidates must file statements reporting all campaign contributions and expenditures for the designated time period. Candidates cannot accept more than $500 in campaign contributions from a single source.

Cast Your Vote
Register to vote with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters Office. For additional information concerning the voting process in the City of Dublin, view the City Clerk's frequently asked questions.