Newport Beach ordered to schedule charter reform ballot measures

An Orange County Superior Court judge has ordered the Newport Beach City Council to schedule three citizen-led ballot measures for the November 3, 2026, general election. Judge Julianne Bancroft ruled that the City Council ‘abused its discretion’ by attempting to delay the measures until the 2028 election.

The initiatives involve proposed reforms to the city’s charter regarding term limits, district elections, and transparency policies. The judge noted that the current scheduling difficulties arose because city leaders delayed preparing the necessary ballot questions and arguments, suggesting such actions ‘could lead to a finding of obstructionism.’

Following the ruling, the Orange County Registrar of Voters rejected the city’s attempt to place the initiatives on the 2026 ballot, citing that the official deadline for a consolidated election had already passed. A city spokesperson stated that Newport Beach is analyzing the steps required to comply with the court order and will likely seek further judicial guidance.