Santa Clarita City Council Election FAQ
HOW AND WHERE DO I VOTE?
Before each election, the City Clerk sends every registered voter a Voter Information Pamphlet, also known as a "Sample Ballot", that lists the candidates and tells the voter where to find his/her polling place. The back page of the Pamphlet is an application that any voter may submit to request a ballot to "vote-by-mail". You must sign and return this application to receive a ballot which must be returned to the City Clerk's Office prior to Election Day or to any polling place on Election Day. Also, on Election Day, any voter may go to the polling place indicated on the back page of the Pamphlet. Election workers at the polls will check the roster for your name and will also show you how to use the voting equipment, if necessary.
HOW DO I GET TO BE A REGISTERED VOTER IN SANTA CLARITA?
Any person who is 18 years of age or older and a citizen of the United States or a naturalized citizen can register to vote by filling out an Affidavit of Registration. You need to re-register if you have moved, changed your name or wish to change your political party affiliation. You must register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Registration forms are available in the City Clerk's Office and at most libraries. Check the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters website at www.lavote.net for further information.
WHEN ARE ELECTIONS HELD IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA?
Elections for City Council members are held the second Tuesday in April of the even-numbered years. The next City election is scheduled for April 10, 2012; voters will elect two City Council members.
WHERE DO I GET ELECTION RESULTS? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COUNT THE BALLOTS?
At 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, the polls close. All the ballots from the polling places are taken to a designated site at City Hall (called the Central Counting Place), where they are counted by a ballot counting machine. Ballot counting continues until all ballots received from the polling places are tallied.
The (unofficial) results are given to the media and those individuals present at the Central Counting Place. These results are also available on the City's website on election night. In addition, these results, along with vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots, constitute the "official" canvass and are presented to the City Council for approval at a subsequent Council meeting where the newly-elected Councilmembers are sworn in.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING CITY ELECTIONS?
The City Clerk conducts "stand alone", non-consolidated elections for the City of Santa Clarita. As an Elections Official, the City Clerk administers federal, state and local procedures through which local government representatives are selected.
The City Clerk assists candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities before, during and after an election. From election pre-planning to certification of official election results and filing of final campaign disclosure documents, the City Clerk manages the process which forms the foundation of our democratic system of government.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A CANDIDATE FOR THE NEXT CITY ELECTION? WHEN CAN I OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FORMS?
To become a candidate in the next City election, you must first be a registered voter and reside within the City limits of Santa Clarita at the time nomination forms are issued to you. If elected, you must continue to reside in the City during your term of office.
All required forms and guidelines to run for office in the next City Council election will be available in the City Clerk's Office in December, 2011.
An election calendar will be available prior to that time to assist with filing deadlines.
WHERE DO I GET THE REQUIRED FORMS TO START A CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE? WHAT FORMS DO I NEED?
You may obtain the required forms in the City Clerk's Office, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 304, Santa Clarita, or you may download the forms available from the Secretary of State's website at www.ss.ca.gov.
DOES THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA HAVE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS?
Pursuant to Santa Clarita Municipal Code Section 7.02.030, the current campaign contribution limit is $1000 per election contest and contributions of $100 or more must be itemized.
WHERE CAN I OBTAIN INFORMATION ON OTHER ELECTIONS IN THE AREA?
The Los Angeles County Registrar of Votes handles all other elections. To determine your polling place click here. For voter information visit www.lavote.net.
PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT
661-255-4391 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
