San Bernardino Ballot Initiative Rules & Review

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

San Bernardino, California residents seeking to place a citizen initiative on the local ballot must follow municipal and charter procedures managed by the City Clerk and subject to city review. This guide explains where thresholds and review steps are typically set, what to expect during review, enforcement paths, and practical actions—filing, certification, and appeals. It focuses on municipal sources and official contacts so organizers and concerned residents can act correctly when preparing an initiative petition or responding to a filed measure.

Filing & Review Process

Typical municipal practice requires drafting a proposed ordinance or amendment, submitting the text and filing fee to the City Clerk, and supplying a petition with the required number of valid signatures for certification. The City Clerk reviews format, circulator affidavits, and signature validity and then forwards certificate results for ballot placement or council action. Timelines for verification and ballot placement vary by local rule; if a specific deadline is not posted on the controlling document, see the City Clerk contact in Resources below.

  • Prepare draft initiative text and title, consistent with city charter and legal limits.
  • File with the City Clerk before statutory deadlines for the target election date.
  • Circulate petition and collect signatures according to the prescribed form and affidavit rules.
  • City Clerk verifies signatures and certification determines placement on the ballot or referral to council.
Start with the City Clerk's office to confirm any local form and filing fee requirement.

Penalties & Enforcement

Specific monetary fines and per-day penalties for procedural violations (for example, improper petition forms or false circulator affidavits) are not specified on the cited page and must be verified in the controlling City Charter or municipal code. Municipal Code: Code of Ordinances[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or clerk for amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violation ranges are not listed on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible invalidation of signatures, removal from the ballot, injunctive or declaratory court relief, or referral to prosecuting authorities (where applicable).
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City Clerk handles petition filing and initial review; complaints or reports about irregularities are submitted to the City Clerk's office or the City Attorney for legal enforcement.
  • Appeals/review: procedures for contesting certification or enforcement are governed by city rules or state law; time limits for judicial or administrative review are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the City Clerk.
  • Defences/discretion: documented compliance with form, valid circulator affidavits, and court-approved variances or timely amendments may provide defenses.
If you face enforcement action, contact the City Clerk or City Attorney promptly to learn appeal time frames.

Applications & Forms

The City Clerk typically provides petition templates, filing checklists, and fee schedules. If a specific form number or fee is not published on the controlling municipal page, request the current form directly from the City Clerk; no specific form number is cited on the municipal code page.[1]

Common Violations & Practical Steps

  • Using an incorrect petition form or failing to include required circulator affidavits.
  • Submitting petitions with signatures that do not match voter registration data.
  • Missing filing deadlines for a target election.

Action steps: draft and proof the initiative text with counsel, request petition templates from the City Clerk, circulate using trained circulators, submit for verification early, and preserve records of signings and affidavits.

Keep clear records of each signer and the circulated petition form used.

FAQ

How many signatures are required to qualify an initiative?
Signature thresholds depend on the City Charter or municipal code; a numeric threshold is not specified on the cited municipal code page. Contact the City Clerk for the exact percentage or number.
Who certifies petition signatures?
The City Clerk is responsible for initial signature verification and certification; contested verifications may proceed to judicial review or council action per local rules.
Can a certified initiative be removed from the ballot?
Yes. Procedural defects, successful legal challenges, or compliance failures can result in removal or judicial injunction; specific grounds and remedies depend on city or state law.

How-To

  1. Confirm eligibility and signature threshold with the City Clerk and review the City Charter or municipal code.
  2. Draft the proposed ordinance or amendment and prepare the official petition form provided by the City Clerk.
  3. Collect signatures with required circulator affidavits before the filing deadline.
  4. File the petition, required fee, and supporting documents with the City Clerk for verification.
  5. If certification is denied or challenged, follow the City Clerk's appeal process and consider timely judicial review.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm the current petition form and signature threshold with the City Clerk before circulation.
  • Meet filing deadlines and keep clear records of circulator affidavits and signer information.
  • If enforcement or certification issues arise, contact the City Clerk and consider legal counsel quickly.

Help and Support / Resources

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