Current Elections

General Municipal Election - November 5, 2024

The General Municipal Election will be held on November 5, 2024, for the offices of two (2) City Council Members. The City Clerk will issue nomination papers to prospective candidates from July 15 to August 9, 2024 (CA Elections Code § 10220).

To be eligible to run for the Capitola City Council, you must be:

• A Capitola resident
• Registered Voter
• 18 years of age

Candidates should speak with the City Clerk to learn more and to collect necessary forms. In order to obtain nomination papers, you will need to schedule a time to meet with City Clerk during the nomination period (7/15 - 8/9). Please email jgautho@ci.capitola.ca.us or call (831) 475-7300 for more information.

November 5, 2024 - Sales Tax Ballot Measure

On June 27, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 4385 to place a ballot measure for voters’ consideration to repeal the existing one-quarter cent (0.25%) transaction and use (“Sales”) tax and replace it with a one-half cent (0.50%) sales tax to maintain fiscal stability and protect essential city facilities and services. It is anticipated to generate about $2.2 million annually in General Fund revenues. The full text of the measure is available from the City Clerk's office.

The following ballot measure shall be submitted to the voters at the General Election to be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024:

To protect essential city services including public safety and emergency services; repair potholes, maintain streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, beaches, the new wharf, and recreation programs for youth; improve traffic safety; and support local businesses, shall City-of-Capitola replace its quarter-percent sales tax, approved by voters in 2016, with a one-half percent sales tax, generating an estimated $2.2 million annually for general government use, for ten years, with independent audits, and all funds staying local?

General Elections Information

Capitola is a General Law City, and follows the California Elections Code, Government Codes, and Fair Political Practices Commission regulations in all election matters. The City Clerk serves as the Election Officer for the City. All election-related questions should be addressed to the City Clerk's office by email jgautho@ci.capitola.ca.us or phone at (831) 475-7300.

Capitola consolidates its elections with Santa Cruz County, working with the Santa Cruz County Elections Department. For more information you may visit the Santa Cruz County Elections Department's website.

To check your current voter registration, please visit the County Voter Information webpage.

Campaign Disclosure Forms

For information on filing campaign disclosure forms (Form 410, 460, 501, etc.), please visit this page.

Notice of Reorganization

Following each election or subsequent City Council action, the City Clerk must publish a notice of reorganization. You can find the 2023 Notice of Reorganization below.