HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Election WebpageNOVEMBER 8, 2022, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OVERVIEW
The following information is provided as an overview of the election process for a seat on
the Palm Desert City Council. Elections are consolidated with the Statewide General
Election which is held on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday in November of
even-numbered years.
The City of Palm Desert is comprised of two geographical districts, with one member of
the City Council representing District 1, which is comprised of approximately 20% of the
City's population, and four members of the City Council representing District 2, which
contains approximately 80% of the City's population. Terms are staggered with three
seats available during one election cycle and two seats available during the next cycle.
There are no term limits for City Council Members. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are
selected from the membership of the City Council to preside at Council Meetings and to
act as the ceremonial head of the City.
The next General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for the
election of two (2) members of City Council from District 2 for full terms of four (4) years
each currently represented by incumbents Jan Harnik and Sabby Jonathan.
Advisory Ballot Measure
On June 23, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022 -50 submitting the
following advisory measure to the voters at the upcoming General Municipal Election:
Advisory Vote Only
Shall the measure relating to City Council districts be adopted?
(Limited to 75 words)
“In Palm Desert now, District 1 (the area surrounding Civic
Center with 20% of the population) selects one Council
representative every four years, and District 2 (the other 80%
of the City) votes for a total of four Council representatives,
picking two representatives every two years. Should District 2
be divided into four smaller districts, with all voters electing a
single person from their smaller district every four years?”
YES
NO
• The City Attorney’s impartial analysis and primary arguments are due by and will
be posted online on August 22, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
• The rebuttal arguments are due by and will be posted online on September 1,
2022, at 5:00 p.m.
District Boundaries
The California Elections Code requires that every ten years cities with by-district election
systems use new census data to review and, if needed, redraw district lines to reflect how
local populations have changed. On March 24, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance
No. 1380 to adopt new district boundaries. Click here to locate your voting district.
Candidate Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate for Palm Desert City Council, you must reside and be registered
to vote within the appliable district at the time nomination papers are issued. More
specifically, you must be:
• A registered voter
o Click here to verify your voter status or to register to vote.
• Resident in the district in which they are running
o Click here to verify your City Council voting district.
• 18 years of age or older
Note: A person cannot run for elected office if they have been convicted of a felony
involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe, the embezzlement of public
money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of those
crimes.
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. There are additional filing
requirements dependent on the amount of contributions anticipated to be received.
Please contact the City Clerk’s Office if you are planning on soliciting contributions prior
to the official nomination period.
Official Nomination Period
The official nomination period for Districts 2 will begin on Monday, July 18, 2022, and
closes on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. If an incumbent does not file within the
stated filing period, the nomination period will be extended five (5) days and will close on
Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 5:00 pm for a ll interested persons other than the
incumbent for that seat only.
Nomination papers must be obtained in person by appointment only at the City of Palm
Desert, City Clerk’s Office, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
To schedule an appointment please call (760) 776-6301.
Campaign Contribution Limits
In accordance with Assembly Bill 571, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1362
imposing an unlimited campaign contribution limit on candidates for elective office within
the City of Palm Desert.
Election Sign Regulations
Click here for more information regarding election sign regulations within the City of Palm
Desert.
Office of the City Clerk
The City Clerk is the local election official and coordinates with the County of Riverside in
the conduct of municipal elections. Duties of the elections official include preparing
necessary resolutions calling for general and special municipal elections, coordinating the
candidate nomination process, receipt and process of initiative, referendum, and recall
petitions, and declaring election results.
Please note that the City Clerk is the local filing official but may not answer technical
questions regarding the Fair Political Practices Commission’s disclosure forms. You are
encouraged to review the FPPC campaign manuals and to contact the FPPC directly at
1-866-ASK-FPPC (1-866-275-3772). Telephone advice is available Monday through
Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
External Resources
• California Secretary of State
• Riverside County Registrar of Voters
• Fair Political Practices Commission