Arroyo Grande, California Public Records

California residents can register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov up to 15 days before an election, though conditional voter registration remains available through Election Day at vote centers and the San Luis Obispo County elections office. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, California residency, being at least 18 by Election Day, and not currently serving time or on parole for a felony conviction. Registration requires either a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. The city holds municipal elections for its five council members and directly-elected Mayor, with council members serving four-year staggered terms. These races typically occur in November of even-numbered years, consolidated with statewide general elections. The next City Council election is scheduled for November 2026, when several council seats will appear on the ballot. Candidates file nomination papers with the San Luis Obispo County Elections Office, and local ballot measures reach voters either through City Council action or citizen initiative. Residents can locate their assigned vote center by visiting www.slovote.com and using the polling place lookup tool with their residential address. The county now operates under a vote center model, allowing voters to cast ballots at any center throughout San Luis Obispo County during early voting or on Election Day. Public election records include voter registration files with certain restrictions, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State and local jurisdictions—searchable at http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov for state races—along with candidate statements and filings available through the San Luis Obispo County elections office. Precinct-level results are posted at www.slovote.com after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, San Luis Obispo County reported approximately 68% voter turnout, with over 116,000 ballots cast from roughly 170,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, voters here will decide several significant races. California's gubernatorial election will feature the Governor's seat, while one U.S. Senate seat will also be contested—Senator Alex Padilla's seat is up that year. The 24th Congressional District, which includes the city, will hold its congressional race alongside State Assembly and State Senate contests for relevant districts. County offices on the ballot include Board of Supervisors seats in Districts 2 and 4, plus countywide positions for District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner, Assessor, Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Clerk-Recorder. Local City Council races will round out the November 2026 ballot. California operates as a universal vote-by-mail state, automatically sending mail ballots to all registered voters beginning 29 days before each election. These ballots can be returned via postage-paid mail if postmarked by Election Day, dropped at secure boxes throughout San Luis Obispo County, or submitted at any vote center. Early in-person voting begins 10 days before Election Day. Additional information is available at www.slovote.com or by calling 805-781-5228.