Lake Elsinore is a General Law city governed by a five-member City Council. Members of the City Council are elected by-district and the City Treasurer is elected at-large for a four-year term.  Council Members serve staggered terms, with either two or three seats being open for election every two years.  As of February 1, 2018, the City transitioned to By-District elections with 5 Districts. The position of Mayor is selected by the City Council on an annual basis.

The City Clerk serves as the Elections Officer and is responsible for the issuance and acceptance of Nomination papers, City Measures, and the publication of all Legal Notices.

City Elections
General Municipal elections are scheduled on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years and are consolidated with the County of Riverside.  Any other elections are considered a Special election.  All election services are provided according to the California Elections Code.  

Campaign Filing Requirements
Campaign Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Statements required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission are centralized in the City Clerk’s Office.

Candidate Qualifications
In order to qualify as a candidate for a member of the City Council or the City Treasurer, an individual must be 18 years of age, a registered voter and a resident of the City of Lake Elsinore within the District they are running. Pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 2.32 a $25 filing fee is required to be paid upon the filing of Nomination papers.

To submit a pre-application to confirm your eligibility to run for office and request an appointment to pull nomination papers during the nomination period, please complete the form HERE.

Election District Maps

Find My District 

General Municipal Elections

Upcoming Elections

Past Elections

Helpful Links
Elected Representatives - County, State, Federal

Voter Registration and Election Results

California Secretary of State

How Do I Become a Candidate?

Initiative/Referendum Information

For additional information regarding elections, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (951) 674-3124 extension 269. 

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