Elections
Elections & Candidate Information
The City Clerk is the City’s Election Official and oversees municipal elections, candidate filing, and compliance with election laws. Elections are held in even-numbered years. The next General Municipal Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for two (2) City Councilmember seats.
Lemon Grove is a General Law City with a five-member, at-large City Council (Mayor and four Councilmembers), each serving four-year terms. The City consolidates its elections with the County of San Diego and generally holds contests with statewide general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. Since 2020, statewide primaries occur in March; any City special election consolidated with a statewide primary follows that schedule.
DISCLAIMER: Every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date information; however, the City is not responsible for guidance, interpretation, or explanation of election-related regulations. This information is not legal advice and is not to be a substitute for legal counsel. Individuals are urged to review appropriate laws and regulations for detailed information and seek legal counsel, if necessary.
Candidate Eligibility
- United States citizen.
- At least 18 years of age on or before Election Day.
- A registered voter of the City of Lemon Grove and otherwise qualified to vote for the office at the time nomination papers are issued (registration verified with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters).
- Not disqualified under California Elections Code § 20 (certain felony convictions).
Candidate Fees
- Candidate Statement (optional): Candidates who choose to print a statement in the County Voter Information Guide must pay the actual cost to the Registrar of Voters at filing. See Elections Code § 13307.
- Filing Fee: $25, due when nomination papers are filed with the City Clerk (Gov. Code § 10228; Ordinance No. 453). All filing and statement fees are non-refundable.
Forms Required When Filing Nomination
- Ballot Designation Worksheet.
- Candidate Statement of Qualifications (optional).
- Form 700 – Statement of Economic Interests.
- Nomination Paper — with signatures of 20 registered Lemon Grove voters (verified by the County Registrar of Voters).
- All statements and information submitted are public records and may be disclosed upon request.
FPPC & Campaign Finance
- Follow the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) rules for campaign reporting and ethics. See Campaign Disclosure Manuals (Manual 2 – Local Candidates).
- Contribution limits: Per City Resolution No. 2025-4094, the current individual contribution limit is $1,230 per calendar year (unless updated by resolution).
Salary & Benefits (Mayor & City Council)
| Role | Monthly Salary | Benefits (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | $1,405.21 | $50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, dental |
| Councilmember | $803.00 | $50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, dental |
City Council Meetings
Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Lane. Special meetings may be called as needed.
Appointments to Regional Boards & Commissions
Positions on San Diego County regional boards and commissions are appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council.
Contact Us
Lemon Grove City Hall
3232 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 825-3800