TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Office of the Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
SUBJECT: Consolidation of General District Election
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Resolution No. 26-002 giving notice of the General District Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of five Directors, requesting consolidation of said election with the General State Election to be held on the same date, and specifications of the election order.
Staff Contact:
Office of the Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
There is no strategic importance associated with this report.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost to conduct the election in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties is $2.5 million. Election costs will be included in the FY 25-26 Operating Budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
State law requires a General District Election to be held to choose a successor for each elective officer whose term will expire on the first Friday of December in even numbered years. There are four seats on the District's Board of Directors subject to election in 2026: Wards 3, 4, 5, and 7. The November 2026 Board election will complete the transition to a seven-ward election system. The election will also begin the process to phase in recent changes to terms of office for members of the Board of Directors in that the terms will commence the first Friday in December 2026 and expire the first Monday after the first Tuesday in January 2031.
In addition, there will be an election held in Ward 1 to determine who will fill the unexpired term of the late H. E. Christian Peeples which will expire on December 1, 2028. The seat was filled by the appointment of Harpreet S. Sandhu on October 29, 2025. If Director Sandhu chooses not to run for the seat or does not prevail in the election, the person elected to the seat will take office upon certification of the November 2026 election results pursuant to Government Code Section 1780.
The attached resolution requests and consents to consolidation of the General District Election with the Statewide General Election on November 3, 2026, and related actions.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
There are no advantages or disadvantages associated with this report as the District has a statutory requirement to hold a General District Election to choose a successor for its elective officers.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There are no practical alternatives to the course of action outlined in this report.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 26-002 Consolidation of General District Elections
Prepared by:
Linda Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Approved/Reviewed by:
Aimee L. Steele General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer