Fairfield's Measure Q asks one question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot: "Shall the Office of City Clerk be appointive?" A yes vote makes the clerk a hired position instead of an elected one. A no vote keeps it elected. It needs a simple majority.
Why it matters: Under Measure Q, nobody would run for clerk anymore; the city would hire one, and the City Council would set the pay.
When it would take effect
According to a city staff report, the change would happen when the current elected clerk's term ends or the seat opens earlier. City Clerk Karen Rees, in office since 2014, said in March that she won't run again when her term ends in 2028, and she spoke in favor of a professional clerk, the Daily Republic reported.
The city's case
The staff report says an appointed clerk could be hired "based on qualifications, experience, and technical expertise," to keep continuity and keep up with complex legal requirements. The council voted unanimously on July 7 to put Measure Q on the ballot and adopted a resolution supporting it on Aug. 4.
Fairfield voters also decide Measure P, the 1-cent sales tax, and two council district races. See every race on our Election 2026 hub.