Poway is a General Law city governed by a 5-member City Council. A Mayor and four members of the City Council are elected to serve 4-year terms. In 2018, elections for council members transitioned to by district, instead of at-large (also known as citywide) elections. The Mayor will continue to be elected on a citywide basis. Poway consolidates its General Municipal Elections with the Statewide General Elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. View the map (PDF).

General Municipal Election - November 3, 2020

Please visit the November 3, 2020 General Municipal Election page for more information regarding candidates and measure

District Elections

Following a public input process including six public hearings, the City Council unanimously selected Council District Boundary Map 133 (PDF) and voted to transition to By-District Elections for City Council Members. The initial District Election was held November 6, 2018 for Council Districts 1 and 3. Election for Council Districts 2 and 4 will be held on November 3, 2020.

Running for Local Office

Getting Started (PDF)

Political Sign Regulations

On December 17, 2019, the Poway City Council revised its sign regulations. These regulations can be found in the Poway Municipal Code, Section 17.40.090(D), and in Ordinance No. 834.

Campaign Regulations

• Poway Municipal Code Chapter 2.28
• California Fair Political Practices Commission

Additional Information

• Voter Registration Information
• Find your Polling Place
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Historic Election Results