IoneNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Ione City Council Election 2026

3 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 5 candidates running. Updated Oct 20, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

Not sure who to vote for? Answer 5 questions and see which candidates agree with you, and why.

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

Find where to voteCheck your registration
First vote center opens; open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 2 (Oct 24): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Voters citywide choose up to three of the five candidates on the ballot for three four-year City Council seats on Nov. 3, 2026.

First vote center opens; open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 2 · Oct 24

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

What the next council decides

01City finances and the grand jury report4 sourced facts

Where it standsA 2025-26 Amador County Civil Grand Jury report examined the city's finances and governance, and the council adopted a 2026-27 budget in August 2026.

What's on the tableHow the council manages spending, legal costs, audits and staffing, and how it follows up on the grand jury's recommendations.

02Community Facilities District special taxes4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council approved higher 2026-27 special taxes in the city's Community Facilities Districts in summer 2026.

What's on the tableHow much to levy each year in the Community Facilities Districts that fund services in newer neighborhoods.

03School consolidation3 sourced facts

Where it standsAmador County Unified School District has a consolidation plan, and the Ione City Council voted in 2025 to send a letter opposing it.

What's on the tableHow the city responds to the school district's consolidation plans.

04Howard Park4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city is adding softball fields, irrigation and a fire line at Howard Park, its regional park.

What's on the tableHow to pay for Howard Park improvements and operations, and what fees or partnerships to use.

05Wastewater treatment4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city began a Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan in June 2026, and staff are seeking state financing for a water reclamation facility.

What's on the tableHow to design and pay for wastewater treatment upgrades, including whether to fund early design work directly.

3 notes on these statements

Councilmember Dominic Atlan is not running for reelection. Ledger Dispatch · Aug 26, 2026

Linda Smylie was appointed to the seat left vacant by the resignation of Alison LaFayne in July 2026. Ledger Dispatch · Aug 26, 2026

All five candidates on the ballot answered the Ledger Dispatch candidate Q&A: Amanda M. Fisher-Naranjo, Dave Johnson, Jack Mitchell, Linda Smylie and Wes Windley. Ledger Dispatch · Oct 1, 2026

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Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. How much should Ione raise special taxes in its Community Facilities Districts?

  2. 2. How should the city respond to the school district's consolidation plan?

  3. 3. How should Ione handle its city attorney costs?

  4. 4. How should Ione cover the cost of running Howard Park?

  5. 5. How should Ione balance city staffing and its budget?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted8 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Jody Maita, Stacy Rhoades3 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works

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