Elections
Notice of General Municipal Election
The City of Willows General Municipal Election will be consolidated with the Statewide General Election and held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.The positions for election include:
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- City Council Member (2) | Four-Year Term
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Individuals wishing to run for City Council must be U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, a resident of the City of Willows, and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued.
The official nomination period runs Monday, July 13 through Friday, August 7, 2026.
If an incumbent fails to file nomination papers by the close of the nomination period, the filing period for that office will be extended until Wednesday, August 12, 2026, pursuant to Elections Code section 10225. During the extended period, any qualified person other than the incumbent may file nomination papers for that office.
Nomination papers may be obtained during regular business hours at City Hall, 201 N Lassen Street, Willows, CA 95988. The City Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays by appointment. Persons interested in running for City Council are encouraged to schedule an appointment to obtain candidate information and nomination papers by calling the City Clerk’s Office at (530) 934-7041, extension 102.
City Council Elections and Vacancy Appointments
The Willows City Council consists of five Council Members elected to staggered four-year terms. City Council elections are held in November of even-numbered years, with a portion of the Council seats appearing on the ballot every two years.
When a City Council vacancy occurs, the council shall, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy, either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy pursuant to Government Code §36512(b).
- If the council calls a special election, the special election shall be held on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election. A person elected to fill a vacancy holds office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent.
- If the council fills the vacancy by appointment, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office pursuant to one of the following:
a. If the vacancy occurs in the first half of a term of office and at least 130 days prior to the next general municipal election, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office until the next general municipal election that is scheduled 130 or more days after the date the council is notified of the vacancy, and thereafter until the person who is elected at that election to fill the vacancy has been qualified. The person elected to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired balance of the term of office.
b. If the vacancy occurs in the first half of a term of office, but less than 130 days prior to the next general municipal election, or if the vacancy occurs in the second half of a term of office, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent.
Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC)
The Political Reform Act of 1974 (California Government Code Section 81000, et seq.) requires certain state and local government officials and employees to publicly disclose certain personal assets and income using a California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700(Opens in new window), Statement of Economic Interests. They must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions that may affect their personal economic interests. The FPPC is the state agency responsible for interpreting the law’s provisions.
Forms, Filings & References
City Clerk Election Responsibilities
The City Clerk’s Office administers municipal elections for the City of Willows in accordance with state and local laws. The office works with the County Elections Department to coordinate City Council elections and local ballot measures, provide candidate information, and ensure fair and transparent election processes. The City Clerk also maintains election records, assists candidates with filing requirements, and provides information to residents about voter registration, candidate filing periods, ballot measures, and election results. Through these responsibilities, the City Clerk’s Office helps ensure the integrity and accessibility of the City’s local elections.