Elections
Elections are the heart of a democracy. They give voters the chance to choose leaders for the city, county, state, and country. Torrance, a large city of 147,067 (as of 2020 Census) with a hometown feel, has 96,421 (as of April 2026) registered voters. We take pride in our community, and it shows in the caliber of leaders over the years.
To help your vote count, we provide information so you can make good choices, whether you vote by mail or at a vote center.
Take part in your democracy - VOTE!
City Council District 4 Vacancy Appointment
The Torrance City Council took action at their regular meeting of July 21, 2026 to fill by appointment the unexpired term of District 4 Councilmember Sharon Kalani, who accepted the office of Mayor on July 14, 2026.
The term of office is from appointment on August 25, 2026 until the regular municipal election scheduled for March 7, 2028 results are certified and the new elected officials are installed. All applicants must be 18 years of age, reside within District 4 and be registered voters within District 4 at the time of appointment. The appointee must live in District 4 the entire term of appointment. The City Council will interview candidates separately, and each applicant will have the opportunity to present their qualifications and discuss their candidacy with the City Council.
The application and questionnaire must be returned to the City Clerk by 5 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026. It can be returned in person at the City Clerk's Office at 3031 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, by mail, postmarks not accepted, or emailed to CityClerk@TorranceCA.Gov. If emailed, it must be received by 5 p.m. or earlier. Not responsible for delayed emails. Appointment will be made at a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as business permits.
Elections 101
How Districts Work
On June 19, 2018, the Torrance City Council adopted an ordinance establishing by-district elections for City Council offices and approved an election calendar for the newly created districts. Previously, each Councilmember was elected for a “At-Large” 4-Year term which meant they serve in an “At-large” capacity and allowed to live anywhere in the City of Torrance. However, when their 4-Year term expired, they were required to live within the boundaries of the district that is on the ballot during that election in order for them to be able to run for a 4-Year term to that City Council district seat. Districts 2,4, and 6 were phased in during the 2020 election. Districts 1, 3, and 5 was introduced in 2022. Now that all of the districts have been introduced, the City Council is comprised of six Councilmembers who each live in and represent one of the established districts and one Mayor, who remains elected “At-Large”.
The Role of the City Clerk
As the local Elections Official, the City Clerk administers Federal, State, and Local procedures through which local government representatives are selected.
The City Clerk assists candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities before, during and after an election. From Election pre-planning to certification of election results and filing of campaign disclosure documents, the City Clerk manages the process which forms the foundation of our democratic system of government.
Election Cycles
June 2, 2026
- Mayor
- District 1
- District 3
- District 5
March 7, 2028
- District 2
- District 4
- District 6
June 4, 2030
- Mayor
- District 1
- District 3
- District 5
March 2, 2032
- District 2
- District 4
- District 6
View Campaign Finance Disclosure Statements