Elections

The City Clerk is the election official and is responsible for the conduct of its municipal elections, as well as facilitating candidate filing procedures and assisting candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities during an election. Elections are held in even numbered years. The next General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for one Councilmember Seat. 

The City of Lemon Grove is a General Law City governed by a five (5) member City Council. A Mayor and four members of the City Council are elected to serve 4-year terms.  The Mayor and City Council serve Citywide and are not restricted to Districts due to the size of our City.  The City consolidates Elections with the County of San Diego and are generally held with the Statewide General Elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.  As of 2020, the State of California changed the date of the Primary Elections from June to March, thereby, if the City has a need to be included on the ballot such as a Special Election, the City will consolidate with the Statewide Primary Municipal Election.

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

• A candidate must be a United States citizen; and
• 18 years old on or before the election day; and
• Be a registered voter within the City of Lemon Grove and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. (The City Clerk will verify voter registration with the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters.)
• Not have been convicted of a felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe, the embezzlement of public money, extoration or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes. (Elections Code Section 20).

 Candidate Fees

Candidates who choose to have their "Candidate Statement of Qualifications" printed in the sample ballot issued by the County Registrar of Voters must bear the actual cost of printing and distribution.  Candidates who opt for this printing are required to pay the fee when the nomination paper and forms are filed with the Lemon Grove City Clerk.

Filing Fees. A filing fee of twenty-five dollars is established for a Candidate's nomination papers for City Elective Office. The filing fee shall be paid to the city clerk by each Candidate for a City Elective Office at the time the Candidate's nomination paper is filed with the city clerk, in addition to the Candidate statement fees determined in February of each odd numbered year. The city clerk shall de-posit all fees received into the general fund. All filing fees and Candidate statement fees are non-refundable. (Government Code Section 10228). (Ordinance No. 453)

 Forms Required when Filing for Candidate Nomination

In accordance with State law, candidates are required to complete designated forms when filing for candidacy.  

• Ballot Designation Worksheet.
• Candidate Statement of Qualifications (optional)
• Form 700 – Statement of Economic Interests
• Nomination Paper – with signatures of 20 City of Lemon Grove registered voters (the City Clerk will verify the voter signatures on the nomination paper with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters)

Please be aware that in accordance with State law, all statements and information submitted are a matter of public record and if requested, will be made available for public review.

Fair Political Practices Commission

To run for elected office the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) requires that candidates provide financial disclosures. Click here for the FPPC's Local Candidate Campaign Disclosure Manual.

Campaign Contribution Limit

The Lemon Grove City Council campaign contribution limitation for 2023-24 is $1,170.00 (Resolution No. 2025 - 4094). No person other than a candidate and no campaign treasurer shall solicit or accept, any contribution which will cause the total amount contributed by such person annually (calendar year), to exceed $1,170.00.

 Salary and Benefits for the Mayor and City Councilmembers

• The Mayor receives a salary of $1,405.21 per month.
• Each Councilmember receives a salary of $803.00 per month.
• Additional benefits include $50,000 life insurance; medical, vision, and dental coverage.

 City Council Meetings

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the Lemon Grove Community Center at 3146 School Lane.  Special meetings are called as needed.

 City Council Appointment to Regional Boards and Commissions

Positions on San Diego County regional boards and commissions are appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the Council. 

Disclaimer

Every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date information found on this page; 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.