Perspective Candidate Resources (2020)

A candidate for City Council must meet certain criteria. Examples include: be of age 18 years or older, a resident within the city limits of the City of Cloverdale, a registered voter, not in prison, on parole, serving state prison sentence in a county jail, or serving sentence for a felony; and not found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law. The candidate nomination period is determined by Election Code.

For information on how to run for City Council please view the Candidate Information page for the upcoming election: https://www.cloverdale.net/438/Candidate-Information---Nov-3-2020-Elect

Candidates are encouraged to contact the City Clerk for more information prior to raising or spending money towards a campaign for office. The City Clerk can be reached at (707) 894-1712 or via email at iwerby@ci.cloverdale.ca.us.

The City of Cloverdale’s regular General Municipal Election is held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November on even-numbered years. The City Council is comprised of five elected councilmembers with staggered four-year terms. There is no limit to the number of terms an individual can serve on the City Council.

The next General Municipal Election to elect Cloverdale City Councilmembers will be consolidated with Sonoma County’s General Election on November 3, 2020 for two (2) Councilmember positions expiring in 2024.

Official nomination petitions for eligible candidates desiring to file for the above office(s), may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk, 124 N. Cloverdale Blvd., beginning July 13, 2020, through August 7, 2020, by appointment only. Due to COVID-19, City offices are still closed to the public. However, the City Clerk will be available to issue and accept nomination papers by appointment only during the nomination period.

If any incumbent does not file by the deadline, the nomination period will be extended to Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Individuals can begin soliciting campaign funds not more than 24 months before an Election.  You may submit a Candidate Intention Form (Form 501) to the City Clerk’s Office and if you expect to receive or spend $2,000 or more on your campaign; you’ll need to submit a Statement of Organization Form (Form 410) to the Secretary of State and provide a copy to the City Clerk’s office.

To become a Candidate for the 2020 Election, you must receive 20 valid signatures (of registered Cloverdale City voters) on a Nomination Form that will then be verified by the Sonoma County Registrar Recorder.

Candidates are encouraged to contact the City Clerk for more information and schedule an appointment to receive specific Election information and your official Nomination papers. The City Clerk can be reached at (707) 894-1712 or via email at iwerby@ci.cloverdale.ca.us. 

Candidates for City Council:
https://www.cloverdale.net/439/Candidates-for-City-Council---Nov-3-2020

Helpful Links for Potential Candidates

• The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has prepared a useful 35 minute video webinar for candidates and their treasurers. It covers how to get started with your campaign, campaign contributions and restrictions, finances and record keeping, how to complete and file campaign reports, and what to do following the election. 
• To better understand committee and candidate responsibilities before, during, and after the election, please consult the Fair Political Practices Commission Candidate Toolkit.
• California Secretary of State Campaign Filing Requirements for Local Potential Candidates