Eureka Measure H Trails While Hotel-Tax Measure I Leads in Last Election-Night Count

EUREKA, Calif. — November 4, 2026. Two city ballot measures are heading in different directions in the latest available unofficial election-night count. Measure H, which would alter how the mayor’s and councilmembers’ compensation is set, has more votes against than in favor. Measure I, a proposed hotel-tax increase, has a substantial Yes majority in the same reported snapshot. The results have not been certified.

Measure H: No leads 1,950 to 1,700

In the final election-night batch reported by Redheaded Blackbelt, Measure H had 1,700 Yes votes (46.58%) and 1,950 No votes (53.42%). The ballot description says the proposed charter amendment would authorize the council to set the mayor’s and councilmembers’ pay by ordinance, with proposed initial monthly figures of $1,250 for the mayor and $1,000 for councilmembers, plus a review mechanism for future adjustments.

A No majority would leave existing charter provisions unchanged unless later votes reverse that position. The measure needs a simple majority to pass.

Measure I: Yes leads 2,503 to 1,221

In the same election-night release, Measure I had 2,503 Yes votes (67.21%) and 1,221 No votes (32.79%). This measure would raise the city’s transient occupancy tax on hotels and short-term vacation rentals from 10% to 12%. The city estimates approximately $700,000 in additional annual revenue for general municipal services, according to the published ballot language. The proposal also requires a simple majority.

Election-night status is not certification

The Humboldt County elections page provides official election and measure documents; residents should use subsequent county results releases for updated totals. This article quotes the last election-night batch available by the November 4 report, not an assertion about how every outstanding ballot will be counted.

The city also held its mayoral and council elections, covered in California58’s separate Eureka mayor and council report. The measures are reported separately here because residents need to understand the effect of each proposal regardless of who is elected.

Sources: Redheaded Blackbelt’s November 4 election-night summary; Humboldt County Elections; the 2026 Eureka Measure H and I ballot descriptions. Unofficial results only.

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