2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The next election for Districts 1 and 3 will be held on November 3, 2026, and the next election for Districts 2, 4, and 5 and City Treasurer will be held on November 7, 2028. View DavisLakeElsinore.org to Find your District.

On February 1, 2018, the City switched from At-Large elections (all registered voters get to vote for all open seats) to By-District elections (only registered voters in the district seat, which is open, get to vote for that seat).

Councilmember Eligibility Requirements

Residency Requirements

To be eligible to seek election to the office of Council Member, a person must be a registered voter of the City and a Resident of the Council District which that person seeks to represent at the time they are issued their nomination papers for such office. (Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Section 2.09.020).

City Treasurer Eligibility Requirements

No person shall be eligible to hold the office of City Treasurer unless such person, at the time of assuming office, shall be a qualified elector of the City and shall have been a resident of the City for at least the minimum period provided by law next preceding the date of such person’s election or appointment. (Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Section 2.42.050).

Getting Started

Declare your Intent to Run

To declare your intent to run and begin fundraising, an FPPC Form 501 must be filed with the Office of the City Clerk. An original wet signature or digital signature meeting FPPC requirements is acceptable.

Form a Campaign Committee

If you plan to raise or spend more than $2,000, an FPPC Form 410 must be filed within 10 days of receiving $2,000 or more in contributions. The original must be mailed to the Secretary of State, and a copy sent to the City Clerk's office.

Important Note: A candidate is not required to open a campaign committee as long as they do not plan to raise or spend more than $2,000 in an election. See the FPPC’s website for more information.

Campaign Contribution Limits

Effective January 1, 2021, candidates running for a City office and committees that make contributions to City candidates are limited in the amount of contributions they may accept from a single source. Contributions from affiliated entities are aggregated for purposes of the limits. The campaign contribution limit for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election is $5,900. For more information, visit the FPPC Contribution Limits page.

Review the Candidate Guide

Review the Candidate Guide for details on running for office in Lake Elsinore. The Guide provides essential information for prospective candidates, including an overview of the election process, qualifications for candidacy, and filing procedures. It details campaign finance rules, ballot access criteria, and guidelines for ethical conduct. The guide also explains voting and Election Day procedures and offers resources and support, ensuring candidates understand and comply with all legal requirements and processes involved in running for office.

Nomination Period and Making an Appointment

The Nomination Period for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for City Council Members for Districts 1 and 3 will be open from 8:00 a.m. on July 13, 2026 through 4:00 p.m. on August 7, 2026. The nomination period for the November 7, 2028 General Municipal Election for City Council Members for Districts 2, 4, and 5 and for the City Treasurer will be open from 8:00 a.m. on July 17, 2028 through 4:00 p.m. on August 11, 2028. Please note that the Nomination Periods are subject to change if it is extended pursuant to Elections Code Section 10229.

Please continue to check back for updated information.