To be eligible to run for City Council, a person must be a resident and a registered voter of the City of Hayward.

The City Clerk will issue candidate nomination materials in-person during regular business hours.  Before issuing candidate documents, our office will follow standard procedures and guidelines, such as verification of eligibility for the office sought. All materials that require an oath by the candidate must be executed in the presence of a notary or at the office of the City Clerk. 

 Qualifications for each Office 

A candidate must meet the specific qualifications for the desired office.

Steps to Become a Candidate:

The following are standard steps for a candidate to complete.

1. Obtain Nomination Papers: Schedule an appointment to receive candidate nomination materials.
2. Candidate Authorization Form: If you are unable to obtain/file papers for yourself, you may authorize a representative to do so on your behalf. Fill out, sign, and have your representative bring in the Candidate Authorization Form with them when they pick up your nomination materials.
3. Prepare for Filing: After reviewing the Candidate Guide the City Clerk will provide you with a checklist of items to be completed and returned. Having these items taken care of before the follow up appointment will expedite the process. 
4. Plan your trip to Hayward City Hall: The Office of the City Clerk is located at 777 B Street, 4^th Floor, Hayward, CA 94541, east of the Hayward BART station. There is a public parking garage at the corner of B Street and Watkins Avenue, as well as plenty of street parking. For directions, please click here.
5. Schedule Follow Up Appointment: During your initial meeting, the City Clerk will schedule a second appointment for the review and return of all candidate paperwork.

Important Links

•  California Secretary of State
•  Alameda County Registrar of Voters
•  California Fair Political Practices Commission

For any questions, please call (510) 583-4400 or email Miriam.Lens@hayward-ca.gov