Elections

The City of Laguna Hills consolidates its General Municipal Election with the County of Orange in conjunction with its Statewide General Election on the first Tuesday of November of even-numbered years. The City Clerk oversees the administration of municipal elections and election services for the City. All election services are provided according to the California Elections Code. 

The City’s next election will be November 3, 2026

Pre-Nomination Period Activities
Prior to soliciting or receiving any contributions related to candidacy, you must file a Statement of Intention (FPPC Form 501) with the City Clerk’s Office. There are additional filing requirements dependent on the amount of contributions anticipated to be received. 

City Council Elections
In the City of Laguna Hills, City Council Members are elected at-large for a four year term. City Council Members serve staggered terms, which means that either 2 or 3 seats are open for election every two years. City Council Members receive an annual stipend, CalPERS contribution, and health benefits. For the November 3, 2026 election, there will be three City Council Seats for full four-year terms up for election with one incumbent eligible to qualify for the ballot. 

BECOMING A CANDIDATE
To qualify as a candidate for member of the City Council, you must be:

1. At least 18 year old;
2. A U.S. Citizen;
3. A resident of the City of Laguna Hills;
4. Registered to vote in the City of Laguna Hills; and
5. You must not be on parole or serving time for a felony conviction.

Public Information: Becoming a candidate for public office means that information about you will become a matter of public record. With a few exceptions, this includes any and all documents submitted to the City during the course of the election. Consequently, these documents must, by law, be available to the public for inspection and/or copying. 

Campaign Financing: The City of Laguna Hills has adopted regulations regarding Campaign Contribution Limits. No person shall make, and no City Council candidate or candidate controlled committee shall solicit or accept from any person, any contribution of more than $1,000.00 in any single election. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a candidate's contribution of their personal funds, community property funds or domestic partnership funds to their own candidate controlled committee, but shall apply to separate property contributions from the candidate's spouse or domestic partner.  A list of current campaign disclosure filers and campaign statements can be found online here.

Filing Requirements and Nomination Period: In the City of Laguna Hills, there is no campaign filing fee for a candidate of municipal office. To become a candidate, you must first be issued a Nomination Petition which specifies the office you are seeking. You must obtain the signatures of at least 20 and not more than 30 registered voters within the City of Laguna Hills. Additionally, a number of other forms are required to be filed, including:

1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement; and
2. Campaign Finance Disclosure Statements.

All necessary forms are available by appointment with the City Clerk’s Office during the nomination period, E-113 to E-88.

VOTER SERVICES

Voter registration forms are available at all public libraries, post offices, and City Hall. In addition, you can register to vote online through the Orange County Registrar of Voters and the California Secretary of State website. For more information regarding voter registration, please visit the Orange County Registrar of Voters website at www.ocvote.com.