Petaluma officials are investigating whether Shelina Moreda met the city's residency rules to qualify for the November mayoral ballot, following concerns raised by local labor leaders about her voter registration timing
City officials in Petaluma, California are reviewing whether mayoral candidate Shelina Moreda met the city's residency requirements to appear on the November ballot. The review follows questions about whether Moreda, a motorcycle racer from a local farming family, registered to vote at a Petaluma address in time to qualify for the race.
Concerns were raised after allegations surfaced that Moreda did not register to vote within city limits at least 30 days before the August 7 filing deadline, as required by city code. The issue was brought to the city's attention by Ryan Williams, a political organizer with SEIU Local 1021 and a Petaluma City Schools trustee, and Maddy Hirshfield, political director for the North Bay Labor Council. Both submitted letters to city officials last week urging an investigation.
City Attorney Initiates Review
In response to the letters, City Attorney Eric Danly contacted the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters to verify Moreda's eligibility. According to correspondence cited by the Petaluma Argus-Courier, Danly notified Moreda on August 15 that there was a substantial question about whether she satisfied the residency requirement for mayor. He also warned that candidates found to be unlawfully holding office could face removal, be ordered to pay costs, and be fined up to $5,000.
Moreda responded to the city late Monday, stating that officials had attempted to reach her through an email address she does not regularly monitor. She maintains that she has met all residency requirements to run for mayor. City officials are preparing a formal response, according to Danly.
Residency Allegations and Timeline
Questions about Moreda's eligibility began immediately after she filed her candidacy paperwork on August 6. Williams alleges that Moreda registered to vote at a Petaluma address on the same day she filed, after previously being registered at her family's farm outside city limits. City code requires candidates to be registered voters within Petaluma for at least 30 days before filing nomination paperwork.
Williams emphasized that the challenge is not a personal attack, but a matter of election integrity. He noted that if Moreda is found ineligible and remains on the ballot, a court could potentially overturn the election, leading to significant costs for the city. Hirshfield submitted a separate letter to city officials on August 13, echoing concerns about the timing of Moreda's voter registration.
Other Candidates and Next Steps
Incumbent Mayor Kevin McDonnell and Petaluma resident John Hanania are also running for mayor in the November election. City officials are working to determine Moreda's eligibility before the upcoming Friday deadline to finalize the ballot. The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has been asked to assist in the review process.
Moreda previously ran for southern Sonoma County's Board of Supervisors seat in the June primary, where she received over 6,500 votes but did not advance to the runoff. Her campaign has highlighted her family's agricultural roots and local name recognition, though she has faced scrutiny over inconsistencies in her reported age during interviews.
In Petaluma, candidates for mayor must be registered voters within city limits for at least 30 days before filing nomination paperwork. The city attorney's review and the registrar's findings will determine whether Moreda remains on the November ballot or is removed due to residency issues.
Petaluma's election process requires candidates to meet specific residency and voter registration criteria to ensure eligibility. Challenges to candidate qualifications are reviewed by city officials and, if necessary, the county registrar. The city attorney's office is responsible for interpreting local code and advising on potential legal consequences. The outcome of this review will set a precedent for how future residency challenges are handled in Petaluma elections.
