Prospective Candidates
Residents interested in running for office are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office early for information about required paperwork and filing deadlines. In order for a candidate's name to appear on the ballot, the candidate must obtain election documents from the City Clerk's Office, and submit all required nomination paperwork, including a petition signed by other City voters, during the specified nomination period. An appointment to receive and file nomination papers during regular business hours is required.
The Atascadero City Clerk's Office is the receiving agency for nomination papers for City of Atascadero elected positions. Potential candidates, and citizens interested in more information about candidates, are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at (805) 470-3400 or by email cityclerk@atascadero.org for more information.
Nomination Period
The nomination period for Mayor and Council Member in the 2024 Consolidated General Election began on July 15, 2024, and closed on August 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. If nomination papers for an incumbent officer of the City were not filed by August 9, 2024, the filing deadline would have been extended to August 14, 2024. The extension does not apply to incumbents.
Eligibility Requirements to Run for Office
- You must be a resident of the City of Atascadero.
- You must be a registered voter in the City of Atascadero.
Campaign Filing Requirements
Individuals who intend to run for office must file certain Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) forms with the City Clerk's Office before soliciting any campaign contributions or making any campaign expenditures.
File a Candidate Intention Statement FPPC Form 501. Prospective candidates can file their FPPC Form 501 anytime between now and the Nomination Period.
After filing FPPC Form 501, should a candidate begin to campaign and raise funds he/or she must also file an originally signed FPPC Form 410 with the Secretary of State (copy of the form to be submitted to the Clerk’s office) within 10 days of receiving $2,000.
Instructions for both forms are on the first page of each form. Please read the instructions carefully and thoroughly. Prospective candidates can mail their FPPC forms to City of Atascadero 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 or contact the City Clerk at (805) 470-3400 to set up a time to drop the forms off at City Hall.