The next general election is right around the corner on Tuesday, Nov. 3 – make sure you’re registered to vote! In addition to the presidential election, you’ll also have the opportunity to vote for a San Marcos City Council Member for District 3 and District 4.
The deadline for voter registration is 15 days prior to the election.
How to register to vote
- Online: Online registration is available 24/7 with the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters or the California Secretary of State. Any changes to address, party affiliation or name requires a re-registration.
- In person: Complete a voter registration form with the City Clerk at San Marcos City Hall located at 1 Civic Center Drive.
What to consider before you vote
Who and what is on the ballot? Do you want to vote but are unsure who is running or what issues are on the ballot? The County of San Diego has compiled a list of candidates on the ballot in November 2020. Campaign statements and campaign status for San Marcos City Council candidates are now available.
Mail-in vote or in-person polling? In light of COVID-19, many residents have questions about how and where voting will happen. Per the Governor’s executive order in August 2020, postcards have been mailed to registered voters in San Diego County to encourage voting by mail ballot. If you’re registered to vote by mail, ballots are expected to start to arrive in early October. Voters can still visit their local polling place to vote in-person, but there will be fewer polling locations and some locations may have changed from previous elections. The County of San Diego encourages you to vote early and be prepared. Bring a copy of your mail ballot with you and expect long lines.
San Marcos district elections
San Marcos residents now vote for City Council members by district instead of an at-large election. During the November 2020 election, only residents from District 3 and District 4, as determined by their voting address, will be selecting a council member. The filing deadlines for candidates has closed and the list of San Marcos City Council candidates is now final.
- District 3 includes area around Cal State San Marcos, the Creek District and Civic Center area, and extends east to the Nordahl Marketplace, west to Rancho Santa Fe Road and north to the 78 Freeway.
- District 4 includes Santa Fe Hills, Palomar College, and neighborhoods north of Borden Road and Santa Fe Road to the west.
Still not sure what district you live in? The City has developed a district map as a resource for residents. To learn more, watch the City’s Know Before You Vote video or visit the City’s webpage on district elections.
About the San Marcos City Council
The City of San Marcos is a Charter City governed by a five-member City Council consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members from four districts. The term of office for each member is four years with staggered terms. There is a limit of three consecutive terms for each position.
Questions?
For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3100.
Quick Links and Resources
- City of San Marcos District Map
- San Marcos District Voting Process
- San Marcos City Council Member Candidate List
- County of San Diego Registrar of Voters
- Register to Vote
- City of San Marcos Notice of Election
- Election Results
- Polling Place Locator
- California Secretary of State
- Vote By Mail
- Election General Information
- Track Your Ballot
- Military and Overseas Voting
- Accessible Voting
- Volunteer to be a Voting Poll Worker
