San Luis Obispo To Change How City Council Members Are Elected; Here’s What Voters Need To Know

San Luis Obispo will change how voters elect City Council members beginning with the November 2026 election, marking the first major shift in the city’s election system in more than 100 years.

The City of San Luis Obispo will implement a system called “Citywide Single Vote” for Council Member races.

The change updates how ballots are cast and counted while keeping elections citywide. City officials say they want residents to understand the new format before voting begins.

Under the new system, voters will select one candidate for City Council. The two candidates who receive the most votes will win the available seats.

The change applies only to Council Member elections starting in November 2026. The mayoral race will remain the same, with voters continuing to select one candidate.

City officials say the goal is to make the process clear and consistent for voters.

Ballots for Council Member races will guide the residents to “Vote for one.” Unlike previous elections, where residents could select up to two candidates, voters will now mark only one choice.

The way #SLOCity elects Council Members is changing this year: It’s called Citywide Single Vote. We want to make sure you understand WHY this changed and HOW to make your vote count.

Here’s how to stay informed: https://t.co/9qdN1pcjfM #CitywideSingleVote pic.twitter.com/x0Jh7p2XKG

— City of San Luis Obispo (@City_of_SLO) February 28, 2026

After ballots are counted, the two candidates with the most votes will be elected.

City officials said they will review the results of the 2026 and 2028 elections to evaluate how the new system performs and may consider adjustments if needed.

The City plans to host six public meetings throughout 2026, including both virtual and in-person sessions.

The first meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2026, and will be held via Zoom. Officials say it will explain the background of the change and how voting will work under the new rules.

Additional meetings are planned for May, July, August, September, and October. Residents can check the City’s website for updated details and notifications.

Officials recommend that residents confirm their voter registration status ahead of the November 2026 election and review official materials to become familiar with the updated ballot format.

In 2023, the City received a legal demand to move from citywide elections to district-based elections under the California Voting Rights Act. Public hearings were held in November 2024 and January 2026 to consider options, including dividing the city into districts or maintaining citywide voting.

Following that process, the City Council approved the Citywide Single Vote system as an alternative to district elections. City officials said the approach allows residents to continue voting citywide while addressing legal concerns.