Elections

For information about a specific election, please visit the menu at left. This page contains general information.

A General Election is held in Pismo Beach in November of every even-numbered year for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two Council Members. Additionally, ballot measures affecting Pismo Beach may appear on the ballot. The City consolidates its election activities with those of the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office, which provides for voter registration, ballot materials, polling places, and other critical elections functions. Other Special Elections may be held when necessary.

Election Times

General Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years, concurrent with the statewide election. Timing of Special Elections will vary.

City Council Elections

Each election year, a Mayor is elected for a two-year term, and two Council Members are elected for a four-year term. These individuals are elected by, and from among, the registered voters of Pismo Beach, to represent the interests of the City as a whole. More information about the Council's role and current members is available on our City Council webpage. Depending on circumstance, other City Council offices may appear on the ballot to fill unscheduled vacancies.

The Pismo Beach City Clerk's Office is the receiving agency for nomination papers for City Council candidates. Potential candidates, and citizens interested in more information about candidates, are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at 773-7003 or by email (link provided in sidebar at right) for more information.

Ballot Measures

Ballot measures affecting Pismo Beach may be specific to Pismo Beach, or they may be part of a countywide initiative. The Pismo Beach City Council may add a measure to ballot, or a measure may be added by a citizen or entity who submits a qualifying petition.

The Pismo Beach City Clerk's Office is the receiving agency for petitions for the placement of Pismo Beach-specific measures on the ballot. State law governs the timing and form of ballot measure petitions, and potential proponents are strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk for more information before undertaking petitioning activity.

Information for Potential Candidates

Residents interested in running for office are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office early for information about required paperwork and filing deadlines. For information about the deadlines for a specific election, please visit the menu at left. The City Clerk offers hour-long appointments to discuss the prospect of running for office with any interested resident. 

Pismo Beach City Clerk's Office
City Hall, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (Mon.—Fri., 8 a.m.—5 p.m.)
Phone (805) 773-7003—Fax (805) 773-7006
Email City Clerk Erica Inderlied: einderlied@pismobeach.org

Candidates must be registered to vote in the city of Pismo Beach. Individuals who intend to run for office must file certain Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) forms with the City Clerk's Office before soliciting any campaign contributions or making any campaign expenditures. In order for a candidate's name to appear on the ballot, the candidate must obtain a candidate materials binder from the City Clerk's Office, and submit all required nomination paperwork, including a petition signed by other city voters, during a specified nomination period. Other filing requirements include FPPC forms disclosing certain economic interests, and information about campaign contributions and expenditures.

Voter Eligibility and Registration

In order to be eligible to vote in California, an individual must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, and 18 years of age or older on Election Day (16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register). In order to vote in a Pismo Beach election, or nominate a candidate for a Pismo Beach elected office, an individual must be registered to vote at an address in Pismo Beach.

  • Verify your voter registration status: Visit https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or call San Luis Obispo County Elections at (805) 781-5228.
  • Register or update your voter registration: Visit http://registertovote.ca.gov. Paper voter registration forms are available at San Luis Obispo County elections office, local libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and US Post Offices.
  • Additional voter registration information may be found at at www.sos.ca.gov. If you miss the standard registration deadline, you can still register to vote conditionally and cast a ballot up to and including Election Day.

Candidate and Committee Information

To view election notices and campaign filings (FPPC forms announcing the intent to solicit contributions, announcing the formation of a committee, disclosing donor names and donation amounts, etc.) for Pismo Beach candidates and committees for a particular election, please visit www.pismobeach.org/accesspismo and visit the "Elections & FPPC Filings" folder.


Campaign Contribution Limits

Pismo Beach has no campaign contribution limits.

Campaign Signs

Please visit the Campaign Signs page for more information on local regulations. In addition, please note that the Fair Political Reform Act regulates some of the content of political signs.