Presides over council or commission meetings
Position guide
Vice Mayor
Presides over a local legislative body or performs duties assigned by the local charter.
- Government level
- City · Legislative leadership
- Typical term
- Varies by city
- Who it serves
- One city or metropolitan government
The job in plain language01 02 03 04 How the position worksHow someone reaches the position Who the office works with Real-world choices01 02 03 Before you vote
What this position is responsible for
The vice mayor influences how public meetings run and how the local legislative body organizes its work.
Maintains meeting order and recognizes speakers
May vote or break ties where the charter allows
Performs succession duties assigned by local law
Power is shared—not exercised alone.
Selection depends on the local charter: voters may elect the vice mayor directly, or the legislative body may choose a presiding officer from among its members.
The vice mayor organizes and presides over the council, applies meeting rules, and coordinates with members, clerks, legal staff, and the mayor. Succession or voting power depends on the charter.
Decisions voters may notice
How meetings are conducted and speakers or motions are recognized
Committee assignments or legislative scheduling where local rules grant that authority
How to maintain continuity when the mayor is unavailable or the office becomes vacant
Questions worth asking
The answers may differ among candidates, but each question relates directly to the authority and responsibilities of this position.
- Can the candidate conduct fair, orderly, and accessible public meetings?
- How would the candidate protect debate while moving business forward?
- Does the candidate understand the office’s limited and charter-specific authority?
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