Morgan Hill voters decide Measure A on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, a one-line question that asks: "Shall the office of the City Treasurer be appointive?" A yes vote would end the city's practice of electing its treasurer every four years.

Why it matters: Morgan Hill is the only city in Santa Clara County that still elects its treasurer, according to the city. Measure A needs a simple majority and does not raise taxes.

What the treasurer does now

The city treasurer oversees Morgan Hill's treasury: collecting and safeguarding city money, and managing banking, investments, accounting, debt and financial reporting. The city says most of that day-to-day work is already done by the Finance Director and the Finance Department, backed by independent audits and internal controls.

To run for treasurer today, a candidate only has to be at least 18, live in Morgan Hill and be a registered voter there. No degree, financial training or accounting experience is required. The city argues municipal finance has become too specialized for that, and notes that most California cities appoint their treasurer.

What a yes vote means

  • The treasurer becomes an appointed position, and the Finance Director serves as treasurer.
  • The change takes effect when the current elected treasurer's term ends in 2028, or sooner if the job becomes vacant.
  • The city estimates savings of about $15,000 in election costs every four years and about $40,000 a year in personnel costs.

The measure's text, as summarized by California Choices, lets the City Manager appoint the treasurer based on experience and ability, and the treasurer would serve at the City Manager's pleasure.

What a no vote means

The treasurer stays an elected office. Morgan Hill voters keep choosing the treasurer every four years, and the current qualifications stay the same.

The case for and against

The city has posted an argument in favor along with the city attorney's impartial analysis and the full ordinance on its Measure A page. Supporters' main points are expertise and cost savings.

The trade-off, as California58 put it, is professional expertise against direct accountability to voters. California58 also noted that the savings are city estimates, not audited figures guaranteed by passage. We did not find a filed argument against Measure A on the city's page.

Walnut Creek voters face almost the same question this fall with Measure T.

Also on Morgan Hill's ballot

Morgan Hill is also electing a mayor, now to a four-year term instead of two years, plus council members in Districts B and D. See our Morgan Hill mayor and council guide.

Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 or dropped off by 8 p.m. on Election Day. For every race and measure we've covered, see our Election 2026 guide.