Election Resources

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 intended to be a substitute for legal counsel. Individuals are encouraged to review applicable laws and regulations and seek legal counsel, if necessary.

City of Lemon Grove

Elections & Candidate Information

Municipal Election Resources, Candidate Filing Information, and Campaign Finance Guidance

2026 Elections Information Prior Elections SD County Registrar of Voters

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 will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for two (2) City Councilmember seats with four-year terms and one (1) City Council seat with a two-year term and one Citizen Initiated Ballot Measure — the Lemon Grove Bird Initiative.

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.

Election Information and Prior Election Records

Members of the public may access current election information, notices, candidate materials, and related resources for the 2026 Election by visiting the following page:

2026 Elections	2026 Elections Information — current notices, candidate materials, and related resources.
Prior Elections	Prior Elections — historical election information and materials from prior municipal elections.

Candidate Eligibility

Requirements verified at the time nomination paperwork is issued.

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

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.

Candidate Statement (Optional)

Candidates who choose to include a Candidate Statement of Qualifications in the County Voter Information Guide are responsible for their pro-rata share of the actual cost of printing and translation, as administered by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters (ROV). The ROV has estimated this cost at approximately $1,450 for the 2026 election cycle.

Why does a candidate statement cost this much? This is one of the most common questions the City Clerk’s Office receives, and it is important to understand that this cost is set entirely by the County Registrar of Voters — not the City of Lemon Grove. Here are a few factors that drive the cost:

1. Physical printing and mailing to every registered voter. The official Voter Information Guide is physically printed and mailed to every registered voter in the jurisdiction. Every candidate statement included in that guide adds to the printing, paper, handling, and postage costs. Each candidate pays their proportionate share of those production expenses.

2. Mandatory multi-language translation. By law, election officials must translate the Voter Information Guide — including all candidate statements — into multiple languages to serve San Diego County’s diverse population. Federally mandated languages under the Voting Rights Act include Spanish, Filipino (Tagalog), and others as required. Translating a candidate statement and resetting the page layout in each required language significantly increases production costs. Each candidate pays a pro-rata share of those translation and typesetting services.

3. Per-candidate cost-sharing formulas. State and local election authorities use administrative pricing structures to allocate production costs among all candidates who choose to include a statement. The $1,450 estimate reflects Lemon Grove’s share of those combined costs for the 2026 cycle based on the ROV’s current projections.

Important — this is an estimate, not a final charge. The actual cost will not be determined until after the election, once all printing, translation and distribution expenses are finalized by the County Registrar of Voters office. If the actual cost is less than the estimated amount paid, the difference will be refunded to the candidate. If actual costs exceed the estimate, the candidate may be required to pay the difference. The filing fee and statement deposit are separate charges, and all fees are non-refundable except as described above. See Elections Code § 13307.

Forms Required When Filing Nomination

During the nomination period, the City Clerk issues nomination packets to individuals interested in running for office. Each packet contains information about the nomination process, filing requirements, and the forms required to become a candidate.

To qualify as a candidate, a prospective candidate must submit nomination papers containing the signatures of at least 20, but no more than 30, registered voters of the City of Lemon Grove. A $25 filing fee is due when the completed nomination packet is filed with the City Clerk.

Nomination Paper — with signatures of at least 20 registered Lemon Grove voters (verified by the County Registrar of Voters).
Ballot Designation Worksheet.
Form 700 — Statement of Economic Interests.
Candidate Statement of Qualifications (optional) — for inclusion in the County Voter Information Guide.
All statements and information submitted are public records and may be disclosed upon request.

FPPC & Campaign Finance

Campaign Reporting	Candidates must follow the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) rules for campaign reporting and ethics. See Campaign Disclosure Manuals (Manual 2 — Local Candidates).
Contribution Limit	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)

Current compensation (effective through November 2026 seating).

Role	Monthly Salary	Benefits
Mayor	$1,405.21	$50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, dental
Councilmember	$803.00	$50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, dental

Compensation effective for newly seated Council members (December 2026 and forward).

Role	Monthly Salary	Benefits
Mayor	$1,662.50	$50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, dental
Councilmember	$950.00	$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. at the Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. Special meetings may be called as needed and will be noticed in accordance with applicable open meeting requirements.

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 the City Clerk’s Office

City Clerk / Elections Official	Joel G. Pablo Email: jpablo@lemongrove.ca.gov Phone: (619) 825-3841 3232 Main Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
SD County Registrar of Voters	www.sdvote.com · (858) 565-5800