Pinole, California Public Records

The state offers same-day conditional voter registration, though standard registration closes 15 days before any election. Registration requires a California driver's license or identification card number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Under the Voter's Choice Act, every registered voter now receives a ballot automatically by mail, though in-person voting remains available. The city holds municipal elections in November of even-numbered years, consolidated with statewide contests. City Council seats and the Mayor's office appear on these ballots. Pinole operates under a council-manager form of government with five at-large council members serving four-year staggered terms and a directly elected mayor serving four years. The next City Council election is scheduled for November 2026, when two or three seats may be contested depending on the term cycle. Local ballot measures—including tax increases, bond measures, or charter amendments—appear when placed by the City Council or through citizen initiative. Voters can locate their assigned polling place or vote center using the lookup tool at www.contracostacore.us or by checking the sample ballot mailed before each election. California law makes numerous election records public, including voter registration lists (available to campaigns and researchers with restrictions), campaign finance disclosures filed with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and local jurisdictions, candidate statements and filings, precinct-level election results, and ballot arguments. These documents are accessible through the County Elections Division website and the California Secretary of State's website. In the November 2024 presidential election, Contra Costa County reported approximately 63-65% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting the competitive nature of Bay Area elections. For the November 3, 2026 general election, several major races will appear on local ballots. The California gubernatorial election is scheduled for 2026, with Governor Gavin Newsom termed out and an open race expected. All 80 California State Assembly seats will be contested, including the district covering the community (currently District 14 or 15 depending on redistricting). Half of the State Senate seats (20 of 40) are up for election in 2026. County voters will also elect the Sheriff-Coroner, District Attorney, Assessor, and members of the Board of Supervisors depending on district cycles. The City Council races and any local ballot measures will appear on the November 2026 ballot as well. California does not have a U.S. Senate election in 2026, as both seats are on different cycles. Every registered voter in California automatically receives a vote-by-mail ballot sent to their registered address approximately 29 days before Election Day. Voters can complete and return the ballot by mail (postage-paid), drop it at any official ballot drop box throughout Contra Costa County, or bring it to any vote center. The county provides numerous ballot drop box locations throughout the area and neighboring communities, accessible 24/7 during the voting period.