San Luis Obispo Will Host Council Vote in November
Three candidates are competing for two open City Council seats on November 3.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in City Hall
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San Luis Obispo residents will head to the polls on November 3 to fill two open City Council seats. Three candidates are vying for the positions under a new voting system.
Why it matters
The city implemented the new Citywide Single Vote system to address prior allegations that the previous voting process diluted minority votes. This change marks a significant shift in how San Luis Obispo residents elect their local representatives.
The election features 3 candidates competing for 2 open council seats under the new Citywide Single Vote system. This represents a procedural change compared to previous election cycles.
The players
Emily Francis
She is an incumbent San Luis Obispo City Council member who has served for four years and has been a city resident for 15 years.
Michelle Shoresman
She is an incumbent council member with 30 years of residency in the city and a 25-year career in the public health department.
Brett Cross
He is a candidate for the city council who has served a four-year tenure on the local planning commission.
The details
Voters are limited to a single choice, and the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will secure the open council seats. Incumbents Emily Francis and Michelle Shoresman are facing challenger Brett Cross in the upcoming contest.
Timeline
Ballots will be sent to registered voters by October 5, 2026.
The San Luis Obispo City Council election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The move to the Citywide Single Vote system follows a pattern set by jurisdictions adjusting their election structures to better comply with the spirit of the California Voting Rights Act. Critics often argue that switching to single-vote systems can impact the coalition-building strategies that incumbents have historically relied upon.
Registered voters will receive their ballots no later than October 5, requiring residents to adjust to the new requirement of choosing only one candidate. This change directly alters how voters must weigh their preferences for the two available seats.
The takeaway
Voters should be prepared for the shift from previous systems to the new single-vote format when filling out their ballots this November. Understanding this specific mechanical change is essential for ensuring your vote is counted as intended in the city council race.
Further reading
For additional context on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSBY.
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Do you believe a single-vote system makes local elections more fair in your community?
