NEWMAN — The Newman City Council on Wednesday night will consider a routine request to consolidate the city’s November 2026 municipal election with the statewide gubernatorial general election, a move officials say keeps costs down and ensures access to county election services.

The item appears on the council’s consent calendar for its 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall.

Under state law, cities must formally request that the county conduct their elections. Newman has long consolidated its municipal contests with statewide general elections, and staff said the practice remains the most cost‑effective option. The city expects to budget $40,000 for its share of election costs in the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Three local offices are scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot: two four‑year council seats held by Scott Ball and Gary “Shane” Tomlinson, and the two‑year mayoral seat held by Casey Graham. If the incumbents choose to seek re‑election, they must file nomination papers between July 13 and Aug. 7. If any incumbent declines to run, the filing deadline for that seat will extend to Aug. 12 for non‑incumbent candidates, according to state election rules.

Until this year, consolidation requests were submitted to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. In March, the board pre‑approved all such requests from cities and special districts and authorized the Registrar of Voters to handle them directly, streamlining the process.

If approved, the county’s election department would manage polling places, precinct workers, sample ballot mailings and canvassing, while the city clerk would continue to oversee other election duties.

Residents may attend the meeting in person at 938 Fresno Street.