City of Laguna Beach Notice of Election

Candidates & Ballot Information

A candidate does not qualify for the ballot until nomination papers have been filed with the City Clerk and signatures have been verified as sufficient.

On August 13, 2026, the Secretary of State will conduct its randomized alphabet drawing pursuant to Elections Code Section 13112. This drawing determines the order of candidates’ names on the ballot, starting with the last name, followed by the first name, and then the middle name if applicable. If multiple candidates have the same initial letter in their last name, the order is determined by the next letter, and so on, until a difference is found.

1.   Before nomination period - read the Candidate Information Guide

There are certain things that potential candidates can do to prepare for election before candidate filing commences. You can file a Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) with the City Clerk’s office. This is required before raising or spending campaign funds! You may establish a Campaign Committee if you plan to raise or spend $2,000 or more during your campaign. To establish a Committee, you will need to file a Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State and provide a copy to the City Clerk's Office. For a quick overview of running for City Council, watch this video.

2.   During nomination period (July 13 - August 7, 2026)

Interested candidates must pick up one Nomination Packet from the City Clerk's Office by making an appointment within the Nomination Period. The packet consists of one Nomination Petition to circulate and forms to complete and file before the end of the nomination period. The nomination of candidates requires no less than 20 valid signatures from registered voters in the jurisdiction of the office they are running for to qualify for the ballot.

Note:  City Hall is closed Friday, August 7, 2026. The City Clerk's Office will be open 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., but you will need to call (949-497-0309) or email (amckay@lagunabeachcity.net) for entry into the building.

3.   After nomination period

If you won the election and established a Campaign Committee, you must continue filing semi-annual statements until you terminate the Committee. All elected officials are also required to file annual Statements of Economic Interest or Conflict of Interest Statements (Form 700) and complete mandatory trainings such as Ethics AB 1234 every two years.

If you were not successful in the election and established a Committee, pursuant to FPPC Manual 2 it is recommended that you terminate your Committee as soon as possible to avoid further annual filing fees to the Secretary of State. Please refer to the manual for additional information.