Candidate Guide and Helpful Information

In November of even numbered years there is a City Council election. If you’ve decided to run for City Council, we urge you to follow all the appropriate steps listed for a successful start to your campaign.  

The next general municipal election for the City of Los Altos will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for three City Council seats. The nomination period for the 2024 election begins on Monday, July 15, 2024, and will end on Friday, August 9, 2024. If an incumbent does not file the required election paperwork by the Friday, August 9, 2024, deadline, the filing period shall be extended five additional days and will close on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, for all other interested and eligible persons other than the incumbent for that seat. 

Nomination papers are available by appointment only at City Hall. The deadline to file all required nomination documents is Friday, August 9, 2024, at 5 PM.  For more information or to make an appointment to obtain nomination papers, please contact Melissa Thurman City Clerk at mthurman@losaltosca.gov.

To see a list of candidates who have pulled and/or qualified for the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ballot, please click here.

To Get Started

• Step 1: Read through the 2024 Candidate Guide, which briefly summarizes the major provisions related to candidates running for office in the city of Los Altos.  Election Guides for upcoming elections are typically available mid-June for the November election. 
• Step 2: Schedule an appointment with the City Clerk, where the correct forms will be provided, the current Election Guide will be reviewed, and any questions can be asked. This appointment will last approximately an hour.  
• Step 3: Complete and file the required paperwork during the Nomination Period.  To file the completed paperwork, please schedule an appointment with the City Clerk before the end of the Nomination Period.  Filing of the Nomination Papers can take up to 90 minutes.

To schedule an appointment or if you have questions, please contact the City Clerk Melissa Thurman at mthurman@losaltosca.gov.

Filing Schedule for Candidates (November 5, 2024 Election)

It is the responsibility of the candidate to file the appropriate Fair Political Practices Commission paperwork by the deadlines listed below. The City Clerk’s Office will not be responsible for reminding candidates of these filing dates.

July 31, 2024:

• Up to June 30, 2024
• Form 460 or Form 470
• All Committees Must File a Form 460

Within 10 Business Days - Contribution Reports:

• Within 90 Days of the Election
• Form 497
• Only e-filers file this report. File if a contribution of $5,000 or more is received from a single source.  No paper copy is required.  File within 10 business days of receipt of contribution

Within 24 Hours - Election Cycle Reports:

• From August 7, 2024-November 5, 2024
• Form 497
• File if a contribution of $1,000 or more in the aggregate is received from a single source.  File if a contribution of $1,000 or more in the aggregate is made to or in connection with a candidate listed on the November 5, 2024 ballot.  The recipient of a non-monetary contribution of $1,000 or more in the aggregate must file a Form 497 within 48-hours from the time the non-monetary contribution is received.  E-File only.  No paper copy required.

September 26, 2024 - 1st Pre-Election:

• From July 1, 2024-September 21, 2024
• Form 460 or Form 470
• Each candidate listed on the ballot must file Form 460 or Form 470. 
• Form 460: Candidates who have raised or spent $2,000 or more must file a Form 460.  The Form 410 (Statement of Organization) must also be filed once $2,000 or more has been raised or spent.
• Form 470: Candidates who do not raise or spend $2,000 or more (or do not anticipate raising or spending $2,000 or more) in 2024 and do not have an open committee may file a Form 470 on or before September 26, 2024.  If, later during the calendar year, a campaign committee must be opened, a Form 470 Supplement and a Form 410 must be filed.

October 24, 2024 - 2nd Pre-Election:

• From September 22, 2024-October 19, 2024
• Form 460
• All committees must file a Form 460.  File be personal delivery, a guaranteed overnight service to the City Clerk's Office.

January 31, 2025 - Semi-Annual:

• From October 20, 2024-December 31, 2024
• Form 460
• All committees must file a Form 460 unless the committee filed termination Forms 410 and 460 before December 31, 2024.

Key Election Dates

• Nomination Period: Monday, July 15, 2024-Friday August 9, 2024 (by 5 PM)
• Write-In Candidacy Period: Monday, September 9, 2024 - Tuesday October 22, 2024 (by 5 PM)
• Vote by Mail Ballots Mailed to Registered Voters: Monday, October 7, 2024
• Last Day to Register to Vote for 2024 Election: Monday, October 21, 2024
• Last Day to Request a Vote by Mail Ballot: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 (Request ballots at: https://vote.santaclaracounty.gov/elections/november-5-2024-presidential-general-election)
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024