Notice of Measure – November 3, 2026

City of San Rafael General Municipal Election Scheduled for November 3, 2026

The City of San Rafael will hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

City Measure on the November Ballot

At the election, San Rafael voters will be asked to consider the following ballot measure:

San Rafael Essential Services Protection Measure. To provide locally controlled funding for essential city services, such as fire protection, paramedics, rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times; preventing street and road deterioration; addressing impacts of homelessness, litter, and illegal dumping; and other services, shall the City of San Rafael's measure be adopted increasing the current real property transfer tax rate from 0.2% to 1% (paid only upon the sale of real property), generating approximately $7.5 million annually until ended by voters, with annual audits and public spending disclosure?

Public Invited to Submit Ballot Arguments

California law allows members of the public to submit written arguments for or against a local ballot measure for inclusion in the Official Voter Information Guide.

• Direct Arguments Due: Monday, August 17, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
• Maximum length: 300 words

After the filing period closes, the City Clerk will provide selected arguments to the opposing side. Authors may then submit rebuttal arguments.

• Rebuttal Arguments Due: Monday, August 24, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
• Maximum length: 250 words

All arguments and rebuttal arguments must comply with the California Elections Code and be accompanied by a signed verification form.

How to Submit

Arguments and rebuttal arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office, Room 209, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA.

Verification forms and additional information are available from the City Clerk's Office by calling 415-485-3065 or emailing [email protected].

Following the close of each filing period, election materials will be available for public examination for the period required by California law.

Visit the City's Elections webpage for additional information, important election deadlines, and campaign filing requirements.