Beginning with the November 2026 election, Council Members will be elected using Citywide Single Vote, a simple and familiar approach where voters select one Council Member candidate and the top two vote-getters win. Many voters already vote this way, and this change ensures that every voter can participate in every Council Member election and support the candidate who best represents them from across the San Luis Obispo.

After careful evaluation of multiple options and public input, the City Council approved Citywide Single Vote as the best compromise for San Luis Obispo, aligning with the City’s broader efforts to create fair, inclusive, and accessible local government.

Importantly, there is no change to the Mayoral election. Voters already choose one candidate for Mayor, and that will remain the same.