Candidate Information
Find information related to becoming a candidate for Berkeley elective office and see who has filed for the ballot.
Join us on May 18, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom for a live presentation for candidates and treasurers on Berkeley's Public Financing Program
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81797491888
Telephone: (669 900 9128) or 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 817 9749 1888
Eligible Berkeley residents can run for the following elected offices: mayor, city council, auditor, rent board, and school board. City Council candidates must live in the district they are running for. Check the City Council map to determine which district you live in. Check back here during election years to review detailed candidate requirements and see who has filed to run for office.
Election timing
Elections happen every two years in November. The following offices are elected at the same time as the California governor election (November 2022):
- City Auditor
- City Council Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8
- Rent Board Commissioners
- School Board Directors
More detailed candidate information and important dates for the 2022 General Municipal Election are available in the 2022 Election Information brochure. The information is available in different languages in the related documents section.
The below offices are elected at the same time as the presidential election (November 2024):
- Mayor
- City Council Districts 2, 3, 5, and 6
- Rent Board Commissioners
- School Board Directors
Each elected office serves a four-year term. Election to the office of Mayor, Auditor, and City Council requires a 50% + 1 majority vote threshold. Rent Board and School Board winners are determined by plurality vote.
Running for Office
Each city elected office has eligibility requirements for candidates. Every election, the City Clerk Department posts an updated Candidate Handbook and Resource Guide. The Candidate Handbook for the November 8, 2022 election will be posted in the spring of 2022. You may also contact the City Clerk Department at elections@cityofberkeley.info if you have questions about the qualification process for Berkeley candidates.
Past elections
You can find information about past candidates through Records Online. Read elections results documents in Records Online to learn which candidates were elected and which ballot measures voters passed. Read voter information pamphlets for more detail about each candidate and ballot measure.
