Scheduling Appointment with the City Clerk

Additional information for this section will be available once the election period begins.

All candidates must schedule an in-person appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to obtain or file nomination papers.

What are the Qualifications to Be a Candidate for City Council?

Any individual who is not prohibited by the Constitution or laws of the State from holding a civil office, and who satisfies the qualifications listed below, is eligible to seek public office in the City of Fremont:

• Be at least eighteen years of age by Election Day.
• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California and the City of Fremont.
• Be a registered voter in the District for the Council seat being sought.
• Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.

When is the Election, and How Many Positions are Open?

Three (3) Councilmembers - Districts 2, 3, and 4

The City of Fremont conducts its General Municipal Election in November of even-numbered years. Fremont is organized into six Council districts. Residents from all districts participate in the election of the Mayor. In accordance with the district-based electoral system, candidates are required to reside within the district they wish to represent and are elected exclusively by voters residing in that same district.

When is the Nomination Period?

The nomination period commences 113 days prior to the election and concludes 88 days before Election Day, in accordance with Elections Code § 10220. Should an eligible incumbent fail to submit nomination papers by the designated deadline, the nomination period may be extended by five days, pursuant to Elections Code § 10225.

During the nomination period, prospective candidates are required to obtain official nomination papers from the City Clerk, gather signatures from a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 registered voters within the relevant district (or citywide for mayoral candidates), and submit the completed papers to the City Clerk to formally initiate their candidacy.

Nomination Filing Period for the 2026 Election

 * Candidate filing is extended only if an incumbent eligible for re-election does not file nomination papers by 5:00 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Incumbents are not eligible to file during the extended period. (Elections Code § 10225(a)).

What Other Paperwork is Needed for Candidacy

In addition to the Nomination Paper, prospective candidates are typically required to complete several forms that provide information for inclusion on the official ballot. Candidates may also submit a Candidate Statement of Qualifications, not exceeding 200 words, for publication in the Voter Information Guide. Those who opt to submit a Candidate Statement are responsible for all associated translation and publication costs and must provide a deposit—generally around $3,000.00—in accordance with Elections Code § 13307.

Prospective candidates are required to schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to obtain nomination materials. During this appointment, the City Clerk will review and issue the following forms (subject to change based on guidance from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters):

• Nomination Paper
• Declaration of Candidacy
• Ballot Designation Worksheet
• Permission to Post Personal Information on the Internet
• Candidate Statement of Qualifications
• Character-Based Name Form

What Campaign Disclosure Forms are Needed?

The California Political Reform Act of 1974 requires all candidates to file campaign disclosure statements disclosing contributions received and expenditures made. The table below summarizes commonly required forms (this is not an exhaustive list).

Required Campaign Disclosure Forms (Summary)

FPPC manuals and forms are available at www.fppc.ca.gov. Forms and filing deadlines are reviewed with prospective candidates during the Candidate Filing appointment.

Documents and Links

Campaign Committee Training for Candidates and Treasurers - Fair Political Practices Commission