New COVID-19 safety protocols protect candidates, voters, and staff
Candidates running for local office in the November 3 election can begin collecting signatures from registered voters to offset campaign filing fees starting Friday, May 29.
In Berkeley, each candidate for city council, mayor, rent stabilization board commissioner, and school board director must pay a filing fee of $150. Candidates may offset this fee by submitting a petition containing signatures of Berkeley registered voters. The filing fee will be reduced by $1 for each verified signature.
The submission of petitions in lieu of candidate filing fee is voluntary and is an option to reduce or eliminate the required $150 candidate filing fee.
The deadline to submit petitions is 5pm on Thursday, July 23.
Obtaining petitions
Petitions are issued by appointment only. In-person and electronic appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. To make an appointment, email elections@cityofberkeley.info of call (510) 981-6908.
For details on petition issuance and filing, see the City Clerk's candidate protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic for signatures in lieu of filing fee.
COVID-19 safety protocols
For the safety of both candidates and staff, we have instituted a new protocols for conducting business in-person at the City Clerk's office.
- All visitors must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth
- Only two people may attend in-person appointments, including the candidate
- Everyone must maintain a 6-foot distance from others
- Tables, doorknobs, chairs, and pens will be sanitized between appointments
Additionally, petitions will have only five signature lines per page to limit the number of voters handling each document.
Guidance and information regarding the candidate nomination period and updates related to city ballot measures will be posted at a later date.
Visit cityofberkeley.info/elections for more information about the November 3, 2020 election, including campaign committee forms, the elections calendar, and candidate handbook.