Candidate Information
Find information related to becoming a candidate for Berkeley elective office and see who has filed for the ballot.
View a Roster of Candidate Activity in the November 2022 election. View a list of qualified candidates and candidate statements of qualification.
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. 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.