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Elections

The City of Hollister is a General Law City with a Council-City Manager form of government. City voters elect four (4) council members by district and the Mayor at-large. Regular elections are held on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November of even-numbered years. Special elections may be called by the City Council and are held on dates as set forth in the California Elections Code. Two (2) council member seats are to be voted on every two (2) years. 

The City Clerk conducts regular and special elections, including processing and certifying citizen-generated petitions. The City Clerk, as the Elections Official, is also the point of contact for keeping candidates, the public, and staff informed during the election process.

Office: Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Phone:  831.636.4300, Option 5
Email: coh.cityclerk@hollister.ca.gov

On this page you will find information on the following subjects:
• November 5, 2024 Election (including resources and timeline, candidates on the ballot, and the City of Hollister’s local ballot measures)
• Campaign Finance
• Voter Registration

Upcoming Election

Election Day is almost upon us! Please see helpful resources and timeline below:

Resources

July 15

  • Nomination period opens for the following City Council seats: Mayor, District 1, and District 4.

August 9

  • Nomination period closes for City Council seats unless an incumbent for a seat does not pull papers to run for reelection.

August 14

  • Nomination period closes only for City Council seats where an incumbent has not pulled papers to run for reelection.

October 21

November 5 - ELECTION DAY

  • Polls and ballot drop boxes open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early December

  • Swearing-in of elected Councilmembers and Mayor (after San Benito County Elections has completed the canvass and certified election results). 

OFFICIALS ON THE BALLOT

On November 5, 2024, the voters of the City of Hollister will elect:

  • one Mayor on an at-large basis for a term of 2 years
  • one Councilmember representing District 1 for a term of 4 years
  • one Councilmember representing District 4, for a term of 4 years

CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT

The period for filing nomination papers for the following seat will open on July 15, 2024:

  • Mayor
  • Council Member, District 1
  • Council Member, District 4

The following individuals have filed a Form 501 Candidate Statement of Intent for the November 5, 2024 Election:

MAYOR

  • Mia Casey
  • Roxanne Stephens

COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1

  • Rick Perez
  • Rudy Picha

COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 4

  • Tim Burns
  • Priscilla M. de Anda

The following individuals have qualified for the ballot for the November 5, 2024 Election:

MAYOR

  • Mia Casey
  • Roxanne Stephens

COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1

  • Rick Perez
  • Rudy Picha

COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 4

  • Tim Burns
  • Priscilla M. de Anda

 Run for Office
Who can for Elective Office?

  • To run for office, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident and registered voter within the City limits, and at least 18 years old.
  • For a Citywide office (Mayor or Treasurer), you must be a registered voter within the City limits at the time nomination papers are issued and throughout the term of office.
  • For a City Council District Office, you must be a registered voter within the district you want to serve at the time nomination papers are issued and throughout the term of office.

You may look up your district on our District Map.

Potential candidates are required to gather twenty valid signatures of registered City of Hollister voters on a mandatory nomination form supplied by the City Clerk.  

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

Terms

In the City of Hollister, the Mayor is elected at-large to serve a 2-year term. City Council members are elected by district to serve 4-year terms. The City Treasurer is elected at- large to serve a 4-year term.

Resources


LINK TO NETFILE CURRENT FILINGS:

 LINK TO FPPC CANDIDATE INFORMATION:  http://www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/campaign-rules.html

 CAMPAIGN SIGNS

 The City’s Municipal Code, through its zoning regulations, regulates the placement of signs in the City, including political signs.  These regulations prohibit the placement of signs on public property as well as within the City's public right-of-way.  City rights-of-way are generally defined as being the actual street itself, as well as the area between the curb and gutter and the back of the sidewalk.  As a rule of thumb, the street right-of-way line is ten feet back behind the curb.  The City’s regulations also prohibit the placement of any type of sign on utility poles, traffic signs, and posts in City rights-of-way.

 MEASURES ON THE BALLOT

On April 2, 2024, the City Council adopted two resolutions placing ballot measures on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The ballot measures ask voters the following questions:

“Commencing with the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election, shall the term of office of Mayor be changed from two (2) years to four (4) years?” YES
NO

 

“Shall a measure enacting a four percentage point (4%) increase to transient occupancy tax, increasing the total tax levied on hotel occupants from 8 to 12 percent, and reserving the increase for the general fund, generating approximately $300,000.00 annually for general City services such as public safety, park maintenance, recreation programs, street maintenance, solid waste, and community facilities maintenance until ended by voters, be adopted?” YES
NO

 

Ballot Measure Regarding the Length of the Mayoral Term

City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis

Measure W asks the voters whether the term of office for the City of Hollister Mayor shall be changed from two (2) to four (4) years.  In 2012 City Council adopted Ordinance number 1080, which declared “[t]he mayor shall be elected at-large by voters to a two-year term.”

Measure W asks the voters whether the mayoral term shall be increased from two (2) to four (4) years.  Measure W must be approved by a majority of the voters.  If approved, the four (4) year mayoral term will commence with the November 5, 2024, general municipal election so the mayor elected on November 5, 2024, will have a four (4) year term.  If approved, the next mayoral election will be held on November 7, 2028. 

THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE W.  IF YOU DESIRE A COPY OF THE FULL MAYORAL TERM ORDINANCE, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK, JENNIFER WOODWORTH, AT jennifer.woodworth@hollister.ca.gov or 831-636-4300, AND A COPY WILL BE MAILED AT NO COST TO YOU.

Primary Argument Submitted in Support of the Ballot Measure

We propose an essential change to our city’s governance structure by extending the mayoral term from two years to four years. This measure aims to enhance the effectiveness and long-term impact of our local leadership.

Why Extend the Mayoral Term?

  1. Strategic Governance: A longer term allows our city leaders the necessary time to strategize, implement, and realize significant initiatives. Complex projects, such as infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and community welfare programs, require sustained effort over several years. A four-year term provides the continuity needed for successful execution.
  2. Reduced Election Frequency: Frequent political campaigns during the current two-year term divert attention and resources away from pressing issues. By extending the term, we reduce election frequency, allowing our leaders to focus on governing rather than campaigning. This shift ensures that our elected officials spend more time addressing community needs.
  3. Long-Term Benefits: Short-term planning often sacrifices long-term gains. A four-year term enables our city to invest in projects that yield substantial benefits over time. Whether it’s improving public transportation, enhancing education, or promoting sustainable practices, a longer term empowers our leaders to think beyond immediate results.
  4. Alleviating Political Fatigue: Residents experience election fatigue due to frequent voting cycles. Extending the term provides relief, allowing citizens to engage in civic matters without the constant pressure of elections. A more stable leadership environment fosters trust and participation.

Regional and National Collaboration

A four-year mayoral term aligns with standard practices in cities across California. Stability attracts investors, encourages economic growth, and positions us as a forward-thinking community.

Your Support Matters

Vote in favor of a 4-year mayoral term. By extending the mayoral term, we take a crucial step toward a more efficient government—one that delivers sustained enhancements for our community’s well-being and quality of life.


Primary Argument Submitted in Opposition to the Ballot Measure

Vote No on a 4 Year Mayoral Term

Voters were very clear in 2012 that they wanted to hold the Mayor accountable every 2 years. The New Mayor is requesting to change rules to give herself a 4 year term after she was elected in 2022 is exactly what voters wanted to prevent.

In less than 2 years the New Mayor voted to give herself a 105% raise, double her travel budget and spent nearly $800,000 to change rules to allow more housing developments. She also waived $25 million for a developer that has over $2.2 billion in assets.

We can’t afford to allow the New Mayor to change rules to escape accountability, we need more accountability not less.

Say No to changing the Mayoral term to 4 years.

 

Rebuttal to Primary Argument in Opposition to the Ballot Measure

The Council has discussed extending the term of the mayor for several years. The ballot measure was approved by the City Council with a 4-1 vote in favor of the ballot measure to have a more efficient government-one that delivers sustained enhancements for our community’s well-being and quality of life.

The argument against this measure and focus on the mayor were disproved by BenitoLink.

In a recent news article, Councilmember Rolan Resendiz stated his support for the idea: “Depending on who’s sitting here, I say it probably takes one to two years to get your bearings and to get a little bit of experience on how things work,” he said. “It’s not an effective model. If we’re up here for four years, then I think the mayor should have the same right and I really appreciate that it’s going to be decided by the people.”

In a 2006 survey by National League of Cities, only 35% of California Cities Mayors have a 2-year team. We hope you prioritize and support a local government who is allowed the time to strategize, implement, and realize significant initiatives. A more stable leadership environment fosters trust and a more efficient government.

This November VOTE YES to extend the Mayor Term.

 

Ballot Measure to Update the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax

City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis

Measure V asks the voters whether the City of Hollister should increase the Transient Occupancy Tax charged to customers staying in a hotel in the City for less than thirty (30) days.  A hotel is defined as any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is occupied, or intended or designed for occupancy, by transients for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes, and shall include any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public or private club, mobilehome or house trailer at a fixed location, or other similar structure, or portion thereof.  In 1986, the City Council adopted Ordinance number 672, which created the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax and established the current 8.0% Transient Occupancy Tax rate.  This rate has not increased since it was established in 1986.

Measure V asks the voters if this tax should be increased to 12.0%.  Measure V does not change the definition of a hotel so does not expand the types of structure to which the Transient Occupancy Tax applies.  Measure V must be approved by a majority of the voters.  If Measure V is not approved, the tax will remain unchanged and still be charged at all hotels in the City for stays of less than thirty (30) days.

If Measure V is approved by a majority of voters, proposed Ordinance [NUMBER] will be adopted by the City Council.  Thereafter, beginning April 1, 2025, the tax will increase from 8.0% to 12.0%.  The tax will continue to be paid by the person staying in the hotel on a temporary basis, not exceeding a 30-day stay.   

The Transient Occupancy Tax is a general tax to be used for general governmental purposes of the City of Hollister.  The proceeds of the tax will continue to be placed in the City's general fund and may be used for the current expenses of the City as determined by the City Council in making budgetary decisions.  The City would not be legally bound in any way to use the tax monies for any special purpose or for any particular program or service.

THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE V.  IF YOU DESIRE A COPY OF THE FULL TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK, JENNIFER WOODWORTH, AT jennifer.woodworth@hollister.ca.gov or 831-636-4300, AND A COPY WILL BE MAILED AT NO COST TO YOU.

 

Primary Argument Submitted in Support of the Ballot Measure

Measure V will enhance our quality of life while protecting Hollister's property values, and without raising taxes on residents or businesses. The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), also known as a hotel tax, is paid only by hotel customers.

Visitors to Hollister benefit from city roads, services, and amenities, including police and fire protection. The TOT tax is a primary method for visitors to contribute towards the costs of these essential services.

Increasing the TOT rate by 4% (approximately $4.00 more per night for a $100 room) would generate much-needed additional revenue every year. This revenue remains local and will be reinvested in Hollister to support our roads, infrastructure, services and programs.

Hollister currently has one of the lowest TOT rates in the region. The 8% rate has been unchanged since it was put in place nearly 30 years ago. By raising it to 12%, it will align Hollister with many neighboring cities including San Juan Bautista.

Please join us and vote “Yes” for Measure V to enhance our quality of life and provide support for roads, infrastructure, services and programs for Hollister.