The City Clerk is the Elections Official for the City. The role of the City Clerk in legislative and elective processes requires neutrality and independence as key qualities in conducting the business of the Office. Elections include General Municipal Elections, Various Ballot Measures, the nomination process for Council Candidates, the Processing of Initiatives and Petitions, Referendums, Recalls, Charter Amendments, and Special Elections.
All elections are conducted in accordance with the City Charter and State Law for Mayor, Council Members and Ballot Measures.
Campaign & Conflict Laws
The City Clerk is the local Filing Officer for the State of California. All local campaign Committees are required to file Campaign Statements with the City Clerk. The City Clerk maintains regulations and forms under the State's Political Reform Act.
All election Form 410, 460, 461, 465, 470, 497, or 501's filed by Council candidates are provided by the City Clerk Office via a public portal located at the NetFile System Public Portal link. If you have any questions, please contact David Carnahan, Deputy City Clerk at david.carnahan@cityofpaloalto.org or (650)329-2267.
