The next City Council election will be November 8, 2011 for City Council Seat Numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 for terms to commence January 2012.

General Municipal Elections in Sunnyvale are held in November of odd-numbered years. The elected officers of the City consist of a City Council made up of seven Councilmembers who are elected in a non-partisan election and serve "at large," representing the entire community, rather than a particular district. The City Council are elected to four-year overlapping terms. The City Charter limits Councilmembers to serving two consecutive terms. The Mayor is selected from among the ranks of Council and serves a two-year term. The Vice Mayor is also selected from and by Council, and serves a one-year term.

To qualify for nomination as a candidate for City Council, a person must be 18 years of age, a Sunnyvale resident and must be a registered voter of the City. The nomination period opens in early July of the election year and closes in early August. Nomination papers for elective offices in Sunnyvale must be obtained from the City Clerk during the nomination period. Potential Council candidates are encouraged to schedule an orientation meeting with the City Clerk as early as possible during the nomination period. Nomination papers containing at least twenty valid signatures of registered voters of Sunnyvale must be filed with the City Clerk prior to the close of the nomination period. Candidates who wish to have a statement of their qualifications published in the sample ballot which is mailed to all registered voters, must pay their prorated share of the translation/publishing/printing costs. If the candidate submits a petition containing two hundred fifty valid signatures, the City will pay the entire cost of that candidate’s statement.   

Based on an established schedule, candidates must file statements reporting all campaign contributions and expenditures for the designated time period. These reports are available for public review in the City Clerk's Office and may be viewed online through the City's NetFile portal.

Potential candidates in an upcoming election may incur filing obligations prior to the nomination period if early campaign activities include fundraising or expenditure of campaign funds.  Please contact the City Clerk or the Fair Political Practices Commission for more information.