Culver City to Hold First-Ever Election of a Dog City Council

A new kind of local election is coming to Culver City this fall. The Culver City Dog City Council (CCDCC) has announced its inaugural 2026 General Election, inviting residents to nominate their dogs for a first-of-its-kind, community-driven honor: a seat on the city's first democratically elected canine council.

Five dogs will be elected by popular vote for a two-year term on the Culver City Dog City Council, running from Fall 2026 through Fall 2028 in step with the local election cycle. Organizers say the initiative is entirely nonpartisan, unaffiliated with the City of Culver City, and designed purely to bring some joy to the political season by celebrating the city’s canine residents. 

How It Works

Any dog residing permanently in Culver City is eligible to run, with one important exception: dogs belonging to current or former Culver City elected officials, or to current candidates, are ineligible - a rule designed to keep the election free of any real political influence.

To enter, owners submit a nomination form with their dog's name, a photo, and a candidate statement of 500 characters or less. Only the dog's name, photo, and statement will be made public; owner information stays private. Costumes, pseudonyms, and silliness are welcome and "pawsitive campaigning" is encouraged.

Nominations close September 30, 2026. Voting opens October 5, 2026 and closes on November 2 (the day before Election Day), and any Culver City resident -regardless of age- may cast a ballot for up to five candidates using a form on the website.

Real Fun, but No Real Power

The five top vote-getters will receive a ceremonial sash to wear for their term and keep as a memento. Organizers hope to host an induction ceremony at the Culver City Bone Yard. Beyond that, the position carries no real power, no responsibilities, and no formal ties to city government -the only prize is "wagging rights."

Organizers believe the CCDCC will be the first election of its kind in the country. While a handful of towns have honorary animal mayors, Culver City's effort is believed to be the first fully elected, multi-seat animal city council in the world. This is Culver City’s chance to be part of animal election history, but above all, it hopes to provide an outlet for fun and community-building for all residents -canine and human alike- this election season. 

How to Participate

• Nominate your Dog via the "Nominate your Dog page" at www.dogcitycouncil.org
• Nominations close: September 30, 2026
• Voting opens: October 5, 2026
• Voting closes: November 2, 2026
• Contact: culvercitydogcitycouncil@gmail.com
• Follow along: @ccdogcitycouncil on Instagram

For more information, visit www.dogcitycouncil.org.