Mayor, Council Members & Ballot Measures
A Consolidated General Election will be held in the City of Atascadero on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the following:
- One (1) Mayor for a full term of two (2) years
- Two (2) Members of the City Council for full terms of four (4) years
- Ballot Measure L-24 (Atascadero Local Roads and Vital Services Funding Extension Measure)
- Ballot Measure M-24 (Appointive City Treasurer)
Mayor & Council Member Election
These individuals are elected by, and from among, the registered voters of the City of Atascadero, to represent the interests of the City as a whole. Information about the Council's role and current members is available on the City’s website.
Ballot Measures
On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-036, adding the following measures to the November 5, 2024 ballot.
Key Dates
- Call Election: June 11, 2024
- Last day to file arguments for and against tax measures: June 25, 2024
- Impartial analysis due: June 25, 2024
- 10-day public review period for tax measure arguments: June 26 to July 5, 2024
- Election Day (vote on these measures): November 5, 2024
More Information
Resolutions & Notices
Resolution 2024-036 (calling for the election)
Campaign Signs
The Atascadero Municipal Code regulates when candidates may post campaign signs and when they must remove them under the regulations for temporary non-commercial signs.
Legal decisions in California concerning campaign signs have concluded that requiring a pre-election limitation on campaign signs violates the First Amendment. In essence, the courts are finding that such signs are an inexpensive and effective method for candidates, particularly unknown, non-incumbent candidates, to get out a message and establish name recognition. Placing a time limit on a sign, based on the sign’s content, is viewed as severely restricting such free speech, and this restriction outweighs the City’s aesthetic interests.
This reasoning also applies to the issue of a post-election removal period. A few courts have held that regulations requiring the removal of signs following an election are permissible. However, the City’s current regulations treat all temporary non-commercial signs equally, regardless of content, and place a 9-month restriction on the placement of signs and requires that signs must be removed a minimum of 90 days before any new non-commercial signage may be placed. While some California cities may still impose limits similar to our former requirements, many, like Atascadero, have repealed them.
As a result, Candidates may place their campaign signs when they wish. However, the City asks all candidates to be cautious about when campaign signs are placed, as many community members still feel strongly about not having elections signs placed for an extended period of time. The City also asks that Candidates please remove signs, at the earliest possible convenience, following the election as a courtesy to neighbors and community members.
If you become aware of any campaign sign violations, please call the candidate and/or campaign committee and report the violation. If the violation is not resolved in a timely manner, please contact the Atascadero City Clerk.
Signs in City Right-of-Way
Campaign signs are not permitted in City right-of-way or on City property. Signs placed in City right-of-way or on City property are subject to removal. An exception would be temporary signs during a specific event such as at the Lake Park.
The City encourages Candidates to make certain they have the appropriate permission before placing signs on private property (including the right of way/roadway in front of private property). If an illegal sign is placed in the City, the City will contact the Candidate with a seventy-two (72) hour notice to correct the violation. Failure to correct the violation will result in a citation.
Signs in Caltrans (State) Right-of-Way
Please contact CalTrans at (916) 654-6473 for information about its outdoor advertising program (for placement of signs within state highway right-of-way).
If you have concerns regarding signs in the CalTrans right-of-way, please submit a Customer Service Request directly to CalTrans using the following link: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/. You can also contact the local CalTrans office by calling (805) 434-1812.
FAQs
When will Atascadero voters decide on Measure L-24 and Measure M-24?
Atascadero voters will vote on Measures L-24 & M-24 in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
What is a general sales tax?
A general sales tax is a tax approved by local voters that is applied to the sale of goods and services to raise funds for that jurisdiction.
What is the difference between a General Sales Tax Measure and a Special Sales Tax Measure?
Special Sales Tax Measures require a 2/3 plus 1 majority vote in order to pass, and legally restricts the funds to a special purpose.
General Sales Tax Measures require a 50% plus 1 majority vote to pass, and may be used for any legal purpose. Measure #F-14 and Measure #D-20 are General Sales Tax Measures.
What is the current sales tax rate in Atascadero?
The current sales tax rate in Atascadero is 8.75%, and 0.5% is attributable to Measure F-14.
How is the sales tax collected?
In Atascadero, the sales tax is applied to the sale of goods and services that occur within the city.
Where can I find more information about voting in Atascadero?
For more information about voting, please visit the Election and Voting Information page or contact the City Clerk’s Office at CityClerk@Atascadero.org or (805) 470-3400.