Elections

The City Council consists of five Council Members (Council seats 1 through 4 and the Mayor's Seat). The term of office for each member is four years, and there is a limit of two consecutive terms for each position. The City Council of the City of Chula Vista serves its community at-large - there are no districts within the City.

Chula Vista consolidates its General Municipal Elections with the Statewide Primary Elections. In order to be elected to the City Council, a majority vote of the people of the City is required. If a candidate does not receive a majority (50% plus one vote of all votes cast), then a special run-off election is held, and the candidate with the highest number of votes is elected.

It is the duty of the City Clerk to conduct Municipal Elections in accordance with the City Charter, the City of Chula Vista Municipal Code, the Elections Code, and the Political Reform Act of 1974.

Next Election

Chula Vista’s next General Municipal Election will be consolidated with the Statewide Primary Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2008. The election is for the purpose of selecting two Councilmembers (for Seats #3 and #4).

The nomination period for the election is Monday, February 11 through Friday, March 7, 2008.

During this period, declared and prospective candidates need to schedule a meeting with the City Clerk to obtain nomination papers and other election-related materials.

The deadline to register to vote in any election is 15 days prior to the election. Registration forms are available in the Office of the City Clerk, as well as on the website for the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, www.sdvote.com.

For additional information regarding municipal elections, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 691-5041.

Ballot Measure Argument Deadlines

For measures placed on the ballot by petition, the persons filing an initiative petition may file a written argument in favor of the ordinance, and the legislative body may submit an argument against the ordinance.  (Elections Code Section 9282)

Arguments must meet the requirements of Elections Code Sections 9282 and 9283.

June 3, 2008 ballot:

MEASURE:  “An Initiative Petition to Amend, by Ordinance, the City of Chula Vista’s General Plan to Require Voter Approval for Any General Plan Change That Would Increase Allowable Building Heights Above 84 Feet in Most Areas of the City, Except West of Interstate 5, and to Set a Building Height Limit of 45 Feet on Third Avenue Between E an G Streets”

Arguments in favor of or against measures placed on the June 3, 2008 ballot will be due to the City Clerk by March 19, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. 

November 4, 2008 ballot:

MEASURE:  “A Petition to Amend the Chula Vista City Charter to Make the City Attorney an Elected City Officer, Sufficiently Independent of the Council and Other City Officials”

Arguments in favor of or against measures placed on the November 4, 2008 ballot will be due to the City Clerk by August 20, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

The City Clerk may not accept arguments submitted after the established deadlines.

One Vote Makes a Difference!

Register to Vote