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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 4Ch. 5§ 57116 City Incorporation Election Rules

§ 57116 City Incorporation Election Rules

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 57116 City Incorporation Election Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •When a new city is being created, the people get to vote on who will be the leaders of that city.
  • •People can also vote on how future city leaders will be chosen—either by small areas (districts) or by the whole city.
  • •If the people who asked for the new city want it, they can vote on whether the city should have a city manager to run things.
  • •If the people who asked for the new city want it, they can vote on what the new city should be called.

Example

A group of people in a small town want to turn their town into an official city.

The town holds a vote where people choose their first leaders, decide if future leaders should be picked by small areas or the whole town, and if they want a city manager. They can also vote on the new city's name if they want.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 57116 City Incorporation Election Rules

In addition to any other requirements, any resolution of the commission ordering an incorporation subject to an election shall do all of the following: (a) Provide for the election of the officers of the proposed city required to be elected, except as provided in Section 56724 and except as to officers designated as appointive, pursuant to Section 56723. (b) Provide for the election on the question of whether members of the city council in future elections are to be elected by district, from district, or at large. (c) If the petition so requests, state that the voters may express a preference as to whether or not the city shall operate under the city manager form of government, the ballot question being for or against the city manager form of government. (d) If the petition so requests, state that the voters may express their preference between names for the new city. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 155, Sec. 6. (AB 1582) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

resolutioncommissioncorporationelectionquestionpetitionpreferenceaddition

Related Statutes

  • § 57109 Subsidiary District Election Petition
  • § 57115 Voter Confirmation Of Reorganization
  • § 57117 City Consolidation Election Rules
  • § 57120 Local Government Appropriations Limit
  • § 57108 District Merger Election Petition

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 57116.
View Official Source