Elections

The following information is provided to guide voters and potential candidates through the election process. 

Upcoming Election

A municipal primary election will be held on March 5, 2024, for the offices of:

• Council District 2
• Council District 4
• Council District 6
• Mayor

The nomination period begins November 15, 2023, and closes December 8, 2023. If needed, a run-off election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Stockton Election Process

The City conducts elections every two years to fill seats on the City Council.

To be elected as a Councilmember, a candidate nominated from a Council district must receive the majority of votes cast by voters of that district at the Primary Election. If no candidate received a majority of votes, a runoff election shall be held at the General Election.

To be elected as Mayor, a candidate must receive 50% +1 of the vote in the Primary Election. If no candidate receives 50% +1 of the vote in the Primary Election, a runoff election shall be held at the General Election. The elected candidate assumes office on January 1 following the General Election.

Running for Office

You must reside and be a registered voter in the District you wish to be elected to, or within city limits if running for Mayor, for a period of not less than 30 days prior to filing nomination papers. To determine which Council District your residence is located in, please use the About Your Address feature. You must also reside within the District during the entire term of office and not hold any other City office or City employment position. If you wish to announce interest in running, file an FPPC Form 501 with the City Clerk.

The City Clerk's Office has prepared a Candidate Handbook reference for candidates running for City Council.  For a copy of the handbook, please download the Candidate Handbook or contact the City Clerk's office. You may also refer to Manual 2 on Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website in the External Links below and Stockton City Charter Articles VI Elective Officers & VII Nomination and Elections for regulations and requirements.

Voters

Need to register to vote, or are not sure if you are registered? Visit the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters in External Links below for more information.

External Links

California Elections Code - SEC 14000 Privileges of Voters

California Secretary of State - Election results for nationwide and statewide elections

FPPC - Fair Political Practices Commission - Manuals and forms to assist candidates, officials, and committees in meeting reporting obligations

San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters  - Voter registration and results for local elections

California Elections Code - Conditional Voter Registration

California Elections Code - Time off For Voting

California Online Voter Registration

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 3/28/2023