Gustine to call November 2026 municipal election, seek consolidation with county
GUSTINE — The Gustine City Council on Tuesday will consider a resolution to formally call the city’s November 2026 municipal election and request that Merced County consolidate it with the statewide general election. The item appears on the June 2 consent calendar.
The terms for two council members and the mayor expire in December 2026, requiring the city to schedule an election under state law. Gustine has long partnered with the Merced County Elections Office to administer its municipal contests, a practice city staff say improves efficiency, reduces costs and supports voter participation.
The resolution, prepared by City Manager Melanie Correa and Deputy City Clerk Desirae Porras, outlines several administrative steps needed to prepare for the election. It would authorize the county to conduct the election and canvass the results, certify the city’s current district boundary map, establish the city’s tie‑breaking method and require candidates to pay for their own candidate statements.
The measure also directs the city to file a Notice of Election and submit an incumbent list with terms of office to the Merced County Registrar of Voters. Gustine would reimburse the county for its share of election costs, estimated at $5,000 or less from the 2026–27 budget.
https://www.westsideconnect.com/news/government/gustine-to-call-november-2026-municipal-election-seek-consolidation-with-county/