Election Information

The City Clerk is the City Elections Official and is responsible for administering the City’s general municipal elections and special elections for both candidates and measures; processing petitions relating to initiatives, recalls and referendums.

The City Clerk prepares the Candidates Nomination Packet, administers the candidacy and nomination process, informs candidates of their election responsibilities and disclosure requirements, publishes election notices, responds to election questions, prepares the resolution for canvass and certification of the results, conducts the City Oath of Office for elected officials.

The City of Albany holds its general municipal election every two years in November of even numbered years. The next general municipal election will be held on November 6, 2012.

• Must be a United States citizen
• Be an elector of the City
• A resident of the City for thirty-days (30) preceding nomination.

How to Get Started:

• Review the Basic Steps In Running for Office
  
• Additional reference information is provided in the City's Guide to Nomination and Candidacy
  
• During the Nomination Period, which is 113 – 88 days before the election, obtain required forms from the City Clerk’s Office. You must obtain the signatures of at least 20 but not more than 30 registered voters in the City of Albany.
  
• Typical forms include the following, however must be confirmed with the City Clerk:
  Form 501 - Candidate Intention Statement
  Form 700 - Statement of Economic Interest
  Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) campaign disclosure forms:
  -Campaign Disclosure Manual 2
  -Form 410 - Statement of Organization Recipient Committee
  -Form 460 - Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement
  -Form 470 - Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement Short Form and Supplement
  -Form 497 - Late Contribution Report
  
• It is also recommended that prospective candidates get involved in City government by:
•  Attending City Council Meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Albany Cityhall, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany,
  
• Watching live meetings broadcast via KALB 33 and/or obtaining a DVD from the City or from the Albany Library and watching http://www.albanyca.org/index.aspx?page=462 Webstreaming Council Rewind
  
• Reading the City Council Agenda and Staff Reports, available at the City’s website
  
• Getting appointed to a City Board, Commission or Committee
  
• Participating in the Albany Civics Academy to gain a general understanding of Albany governement

Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 510-528-5710 or nalmaguer@albanyca.org with any questions.

Additional Resources:

Political Signs Regulations

Secretary of State
Alameda County Registrar of Voters
Fair Political Practices Commission