Sunnyvale · Charter amendment · Nov 3, 2026
Measure I: City Charter amendment: elections to fill City Council vacancies
Measure I is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot in Sunnyvale. This page summarizes the official documents; every statement links to its source, and we take no position on how you should vote.
The question on your ballot
“Shall Section 606 of the City Charter be amended to require that a person appointed to fill a vacancy on the City Council serve until a successor is elected at the next General Municipal Election (November of even-numbered years), rather than until an earlier election date that could be consolidated with a statewide election?”A YES vote means
A YES vote amends the Charter so that a council vacancy filled by appointment goes to voters at the next November election in an even-numbered year, and makes a clarifying change to Section 606(c).
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure I · Aug 18, 2026
A NO vote means
A NO vote keeps the existing Charter requirement that an appointed council vacancy go to voters at the next consolidated Special Municipal Election or General Municipal Election, whichever is sooner.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure I · Aug 18, 2026
What it takes to pass
This amendment will become effective if a majority of those voting on the measure vote yes.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure I · Aug 18, 2026
The money
The County Registrar of Voters estimates a cost of $278,987 for the first 6-page measure and $158,857 for each additional 6-page ballot measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Sunnyvale Report to Council 26-0622, June 23, 2026 · Jun 23, 2026
How it got on the ballot
The City Council voted unanimously on June 23, 2026, to place this measure and two other charter amendments on the November ballot.
The official arguments
These are the arguments filed with the county for the official voter guide. They are written by their authors, not by the city or by us. We summarize what each says, not whether it is accurate.
Argument in favor
Says the current rule can force two elections for one seat in a year, which costs taxpayers and candidates. Says November elections draw higher turnout than primaries and that voters still elect every councilmember.
Signed by Larry Klein, Mayor; Richard Mehlinger, Vice Mayor; Kristel Wickham; Murali Srinivasan, Councilmember; Eileen Le, Councilmember
Argument against
Says the measure allows appointments of more than two years, which gives appointees an incumbency advantage and cuts earlier chances to vote. Says primary voters are engaged and cites past criticism of Sunnyvale council appointments.
Signed by Stephen Scandalis; Andy Frazer; Richard Lesher; Jennifer Tasseff; Susan Selna
Read the official documents
Neighbor opinions
Where do you stand on City Charter amendment: elections to fill City Council vacancies?
Opinions from people who signed in. Not a poll, not a vote, and not our endorsement. We don't check where anyone lives. Your name is never shown.
Keep going on your Sunnyvale ballot
Did this help?
PlayPotus is a small independent site: no ads, no campaign or party money. A few dollars from readers keeps local voter guides free.
Chip in $5This supports the site, not any candidate or party. Not tax-deductible.
Every claim here links to its source. See something wrong? Report an errorand we'll check it against the source.
Back to the Sunnyvale guideSee something wrong? Report an error
Something wrong or missing? Tell us what and where, with a link to a source if you have one. Reports feed the next verification run.