The City Clerk is the local elections administrator and coordinates with the County of Orange in the conduct of Municipal elections. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of necessary resolutions calling for General and Special Municipal Elections and declaring the result of the election, the coordination of the candidate nomination process and the receipt and processing of initiative, referendum and recall petitions. All election services are provided according to the California Elections Code.

When Are Elections Held?

Regular elections are consolidated with statewide elections, scheduled on the first Tuesday of November of even-numbered years.

Laguna Beach City Council Members, City Treasurer, and City Clerk are elected for a four-year term.  Council Members serve "staggered" terms, meaning that either two (2) or three (3) seats are open for election every two years.  

Qualifications to Run

To run for and hold public office in the City of Laguna Beach, a Candidate for elective office in the City of Laguna Beach must:

  • Be 18 years old by Election Day
  • Be a resident of Laguna Beach and a citizen of the United States
  • Be a registered voter at your current address at the time nomination papers are issued, and, unless otherwise specifically provided, qualified to vote for the office
  • Be eligible to take the oath of office and be able to be bonded in the amounts provided for by statute
  • Not have been convicted of designated crimes specified in the Constitution and laws of the State of California

 

Useful Information for Candidates:

State of California Campaign Disclosure Manual 

Fair Political Practices Commission Ethics Training

ILG's Pamphlet:  Making the Leap to Public Service:  What you Need to Know Before You Are Appointed or Elected - Candidate Information on Ethics Laws

Watch this video if you're interested in running for City Council:  So, You Want to Run for Council

 

Useful Information for Voters

California Online Voter Registration

Information about Voting By Mail, including Vote By Mail Applications

Voter Bill of Rights

Orange County Voting Locations

Vote411 is an online resource that provides nonpartisan information on elections and voting.

 

Request for Withdrawal of Voter Signature from Petition

A voter who has signed an initiative or referendum petition, and who subsequently wishes his or her name withdrawn, may do so by filing a written request for the withdrawal with the City Clerk. This request shall be filed in the City Clerk’s office prior to the date the petition is filed. (California Elections Code Section 9602)

This Request for Withdrawal must contain the following:

  • The Title of the petition (initiative name or ordinance subject to referendum)
  • Voter’s Name (as registered)
  • Voter’s Residence Address (as registered)
  • Voter’s Signature (as registered)
  • Execution date of withdrawal request

Withdrawals postmarked prior to the date the petition is filed, but received after the date the petition is filed, will not be accepted. No faxed, e-mailed, or scanned copies will be accepted for filing.