Voting Information
Prepare to participate in Berkeley elections by learning key voting information about ballots, results, and more.
YOUTH VOTING - NEW for 2024! Berkeley residents 16 and 17 years old can now vote for the office of School Board Director.
Visit the Alameda County Election website for general voter information, including registering to vote, polling hours and locations, and voting by mail.
Mayor, City Council, and Auditor are decided through ranked choice voting
The positions of Mayor, City Council, and Auditor are decided through ranked choice voting. In these races, voters can (but aren’t required to) indicate their first, second, third, fourth, and fifth choice for an office. With ranked choice voting, the candidate who receives a majority of votes will be declared the winner.
Rent Stabilization Board and School Board are decided through plurality vote
Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board Commissioners and School Board Directors are decided through a plurality vote. With a plurality vote, the candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be declared the winner. In these races there are typically multiple candidates elected at each election.
Ballot measure vote thresholds
Bond measures and certain other special taxes generally require a 2/3 majority vote. Initiatives, referendum measures, general taxes, and charter amendments require a simple majority vote.
