Election Information

The right to vote...is the primary right by which other rights are protected.

- Voting BadgeThomas Paine Founding Father

Election Dates: The 2024 General Municipal Election will be held on November 5, 2024

The City of Cotati Council is comprised of five Council Members, elected at-large for four-year terms. The next General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the election of three City Council Members.

Ballot Measure S

At the November general election Cotati voters will be voting on a ballot measure to remove the City's prohibition on roundabouts and traffic circles.  See below for an impartial analysis of the measure, as well as arguments submitted for and against the measure. 

CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS

If approved, Measure S would remove the existing ban on constructing roundabouts, traffic
circles, and other similar traffic features in the City.

 The Cotati Municipal Code (Chapter 11.11) currently prohibits the City from constructing or utilizing traffic features known as "roundabouts," "traffic circles," or any similar traffic feature on any public street or roadway anywhere within City limits. It further prohibits the City from requiring any public or private person or entity to construct or utilize the described traffic features. These provisions were added by the voters in GHAG, and therefore only the voters can change them.

If approved, Measure S would repeal those provisions. The City would, thereafter, be authorized to construct roundabouts and traffic circles in the City, as desired, or require a private party or entity to construct the same.

A ”Yes” vote is a vote to approve an ordinance to repeal Chapter 11.11 of the City of Cotati Municipal Code to remove the existing ban on constructing roundabouts, traffic circles, and other similar traffic features in the City. A “No” vote is a vote to reject an ordinance that would repeal Chapter 11.11 of the City of Cotati Municipal Code to remove the existing ban on constructing roundabouts, traffic circles, and other similar traffic features in the City, leaving the existing ban in place. The ordinance would be approved if it received a simple majority of “Yes” votes.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure S. If you desire a copy of the proposed ordinance, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (707) 665-3622, and a copy will be mailed to you at no cost.

Measure S - Ballot Argument - For

Vote Yes on Measure Sand Repeal Cotati's Ban on Roundabouts

Cotati is the only city in Sonoma County to have a ban on roundabouts. We've learned a lot since this ban was enacted, and know now it's time to repeal this ban. Here's why-

Roundabouts save lives. The Federal Highway Administration states that roundabouts are much safer than stop signs or traffic lights, reducing fatal and injury collisions by up to 90%. Their design cuts down on collision points, protecting both drivers and pedestrians. The most serious automobile accidents are the result of head-on, left turn, or T-bone crashes. Roundabouts make these virtually impossible.

Roundabouts save money. Although they cost about the same to build as traditional intersections, they are much cheaper to maintain and operate in the long run, saving money for Cotati taxpayers.

Environmentally, roundabouts are a win. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduce vehicle idling, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. This helps us breathe cleaner air and reduces our carbon footprint.

Everyone benefits from roundabouts. Motorists benefit as roundabouts keep traffic flowing smoothly, reducing stops and delays. This means less time stuck in traffic for all of us and makes for a quicker, more enjoyable drive through town. Pedestrians benefit from increased safety as traffic moves more slowly at intersections and the crossings are shorter. First responders and the community benefit since safer intersections result in fewer severe crashes requiring emergency response.

The City of Cotati and the Rancho Adobe Fire District together ensure that road projects meet safety and emergency response standards. Cotati citizens deserve access to all proven tools for traffic control and safety.

Vote Yes on Measure S to repeal Cotati's ban on roundabouts.

Measure S - Ballot Argument - Against

In 2012, the majority of citizens in Cotati spoke and said “No.” The roundabout ban in Cotati has nothing to do with physical roundabouts, liking them or not. The ban was passed as a creative way to slow down the 2009 Downtown Specific Plan with its 3 story mixed use buildings and small roundabouts. The 2009 DSP with its roundabouts had issues with eminent domain, reducing Old Redwood Hwy down to one lane each way, and fire response.

This year, a bunch of current and old council members, planning commissioners and a few other citizens went around Cotati as “citizens” misrepresenting that the ban was just about liking roundabouts or not liking roundabouts. We citizens just needed to be “educated” on the benefits of roundabouts. Not that there is one penny saved for a future roundabout in Cotati anytime soon. This repeal of the ban on roundabouts is politically motivated to teach us citizens who is in charge once and for all and who makes the decisions in our city, no matter what the will of the citizens is.

This is not just as simple as liking roundabouts or not. Tell the City of Cotati that No means No. We need to do the real work on creating a new general plan that is realistic and safe here in Cotati to move forward and preserve our small-town way of life.

Candidate Information

As of August 9, 2024 the following candidates have submitted their paperwork and have qualified for the November 5, 2024 general election.

Laura Sparks
Ben Ford
George Barich
Susan Harvey

Candidate Statements

Laura Sparks
Ben Ford
George Barich
Susan Harvey

Eligibility for City Council

To be eligible to run for City Council, candidates must reside within the City of Cotati and be a registered voter at the time nomination papers are issued. Interested residents must make an appointment with the Deputy City Clerk to receive and submit campaign documents during the Nomination Period beginning July 15 and ending on August 9, 2024. The Nomination Period will be extended to 5 pm on August 14, 2024, if an incumbent fails to file nomination papers by the August 9th deadline.

  • Step 1: Contact the Deputy City Clerk for an appointment
    July 15 through August 9
  • Step 2: Complete nomination papers and collect signatures
  • Step 3: File nomination papers with the Deputy City Clerk
    Deadline August 9 (or extended to August 14)

Election-specific documents are not available prior to July 15. Potential candidates are encouraged to review Fair Political Practices Commission  (FPPC) Campaign Rules, election manuals, and campaign forms:

The City of Cotati has adopted Resolution 06-64 which encourages Candidates to use the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.

For more information email Deputy City Clerk Kevin Patterson or call 707-665-3622.

Register to Vote!

Voter registration and election information can be found at:

Additional Resources