Election and Voter Information

Register to Vote


Voter registration information is available through the San Mateo County Election website
  • California Voter Registration
  • The City Clerk’s Office provides voter registration forms during office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM @ 330 W. 20th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403.
  • We can assist you in locating the 28 day vote centers and 4 day vote centers. You are able to cast your Vote not just on election day. 

General Municipal Election


General Municipal Elections to elect council members are held in San Mateo on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. The next election is scheduled for November 8, 2022. The City's first by-district election will begin with Districts 1, 3, and 5. Learn more about District Elections.

Council incumbents currently live in the following districts:
  • District 1: Rick Bonilla, Diane Papan and Eric Rodriguez
  • District 2: Amourence Lee
  • District 3: Joe Goethals
  • District 4: No Incumbent
  • District 5: No Incumbent
The filing period to pull papers with the City Clerk begins July 18, 2022 and ends August 12, 2022. Please contact City Clerk Patrice Olds with questions or to schedule an informational appointment:
Phone: (650) 522-7042
Email: polds@cityofsanmateo.org 

Qualifications for Office


A person must be a registered voter of the City of San Mateo and have resided continuously in San Mateo for at least thirty days immediately preceding the appointment or final filing date for nomination papers.

Campaign Contributions


Individual contributions cannot exceed $500 and organization contributions cannot exceed $1,000. Additionally, a candidate cannot personally make a loan to their campaign in an amount which exceeds $15,000. Municipal Code 2.80.030 LIMITATIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS

Elections - Role of the City Clerk


The City Clerk is responsible for the administration of all municipal elections by: