November 2026 Election: What Monterey Peninsula Voters Should Know
Oct 1
2 min read
The November 3, 2026 election is around the corner, and Monterey Peninsula voters will see a few important local measures that shape everyday life — from schools to streets to coastal resilience. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the ballot for Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, Pacific Grove, and unincorporated Monterey County.
Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea
Carmel voters will decide on two measures aimed at maintaining city infrastructure and protecting the coastline.
Measure M – Hotel Tax Increase: Raises the tax paid by visitors staying in Carmel hotels from 10% to 12%. The added revenue supports street repairs, beach erosion response, wildfire preparedness, and general city services.
Measure N – Local Sales Tax Increase Increases Carmel’s local sales tax by 0.375% to help fund infrastructure, environmental resilience, and city operations. Independent audits are required.
Pacific Grove
Measure K – School Parcel Tax: A five‑year parcel tax of $85 per parcel to support reading and math programs, services for students with disabilities, mental‑health counseling, and affordable before‑ and after‑school programs. Funds cannot be used for administrator salaries.
Monterey County (Unincorporated Areas)
Countywide TOT Measure: Raises the hotel tax in unincorporated Monterey County from 10.5% to 12.5%. Revenue supports road and sewer repairs, emergency services, libraries, parks, healthcare access, job development, and homelessness reduction — all funded by visitors, not residents.