Daly City Ballot Initiatives & Political Sign Rules

Elections and Campaign Finance California 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Daly City, California residents who want to place a local ordinance or referendum on the municipal ballot must follow a mix of city procedures and county election rules. This guide explains the typical steps to draft a measure, file with the City Clerk, collect and submit petition signatures, and follow local rules for political signs on private and public property. Because local procedural details and enforcement pathways are administered by the City Clerk and county elections office, the section below points to official sources for filing, petition verification, and compliance.

Overview of the Initiative Process

The initiative process typically requires:

  • Drafting the proposed ordinance or measure and preparing a clear ballot title and summary.
  • Filing forms and petitions with the Daly City City Clerk for an initial review and filing instructions. See the City Clerk elections page City Clerk - Elections[1].
  • Collecting the required number of valid signatures from registered voters, then submitting the petition for verification to the county elections office.
  • Following any timing rules for submission to ensure placement on the desired election date.
Start early: signature gathering and county verification take time.

Legal Sources and Where to Find Rules

The authoritative municipal rules are the Daly City municipal code and the City Clerk's election instructions; signature verification and ballot placement procedures are administered by San Mateo County Elections for local measures. The municipal code and City Clerk pages do not always list numeric signature thresholds or fines directly; when specific figures are not published on the cited official pages this guide notes that fact and points you to the responsible office for confirmation.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for violations tied to initiatives and political signs is split between election administration and local code enforcement:

  • Election compliance and petition challenges are processed by the county elections office; remedies include invalidation of signatures or legal challenges to sufficiency.
  • Local sign ordinance violations are enforced by Daly City code enforcement or the Planning/Building Department and may result in removal orders or municipal citations.
  • Complaints about illegal signs or campaign violations may be reported to the City Clerk or Code Enforcement for investigation.

Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat or continuing offences, and statutory time limits for appeals are not listed on the cited Daly City pages or the county elections overview and therefore are not specified on the cited page. For signature challenges and petition sufficiency procedures, the county elections office provides the verification process but does not publish a flat fine schedule for initiative-related procedural failures.[3]

If you face a complaint or citation, act promptly to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

The City Clerk is the filing office for local initiative petitions and will provide required forms, filing instructions, and the official petition format when you request it. The Daly City pages do not include every form as downloadable content on a single page; contact the City Clerk to obtain the current petition form, circulator affidavit, and filing checklist.[1]

Practical Steps for Sponsors

  • Draft the ordinance language and a concise ballot summary, and prepare a draft petition form for Clerk review.
  • Contact the Daly City City Clerk to confirm filing requirements and to obtain the official petition form and circulator affidavits.City Clerk - Elections[1]
  • Collect signatures using the official petition format; after collection submit petitions to the City Clerk who will coordinate verification with San Mateo County Elections.
  • Be prepared for post-submission challenges; maintain records and copies of all circulated petitions and affidavits.
Keep a dated log of signature collection activities and locations.

Political Sign Rules

Daly City regulates signs through its municipal code and zoning rules; rules differ for private property signs, public right-of-way, and signs near polling places. For the controlling ordinance text consult the Daly City Municipal Code and contact Planning or Code Enforcement for interpretation and permit requirements.Daly City Municipal Code[2]

  • Signs placed in public rights-of-way or on utility structures are commonly prohibited and subject to removal by city crews.
  • Monetary penalties or abatement costs for illegal signs are enforced under the municipal code; exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page.
  • Sign placement near polling locations may be restricted on Election Day by state or local rules; check with the City Clerk and county elections office before distributing signs near polling places.

Action Steps

  • Contact the Daly City City Clerk early to request the official petition packets and filing deadlines.City Clerk - Elections[1]
  • Use the county verification process handled by San Mateo County Elections for signature counting and sufficiency determinations.San Mateo County Elections[3]
  • If you receive a citation or a petition challenge, gather all petition originals and affidavits and consult the City Clerk about appeal timelines.

FAQ

Who administers filing and petitions for Daly City ballot initiatives?
The Daly City City Clerk administers initial filing and the municipality coordinates with San Mateo County Elections for petition verification and ballot placement.
How many signatures are required to qualify an initiative for the Daly City ballot?
The specific numeric signature threshold is not published on the cited Daly City pages; sponsors should contact the City Clerk for the required number based on the applicable law and most recent voter totals.[1]
Are there rules for placing political signs in Daly City?
Yes. Daly City regulates sign placement through the municipal code; signs in public rights-of-way or near polling places may be restricted and subject to removal or citation.[2]

How-To

  1. Draft the proposed ordinance text and a clear ballot summary, then contact the City Clerk for filing instructions.
  2. Obtain the official petition form and circulator affidavit from the City Clerk and confirm required formatting.
  3. Collect signatures from registered voters using the official petition; maintain originals and circulator affidavits.
  4. Submit petitions to the City Clerk by the filing deadline; the City Clerk will forward petitions to San Mateo County Elections for verification.
  5. Respond promptly to any challenges and follow appeal or correction instructions provided by the Clerk or county.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Daly City City Clerk to get the official petition packet and deadlines.
  • Signature verification is performed by the county; keep meticulous records of collection.
  • Political signs are regulated locally; check municipal code and get permits if required.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Daly City, City Clerk - Elections and Voter Information
  2. [2] Daly City Municipal Code (code of ordinances)
  3. [3] San Mateo County Elections - Election Services

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data