FAQ Topic: Elections

Important Election Dates

July 18  to August 12 – NOMINATION PERIOD Candidates may come to the City Clerk’s office to pick up their nomination papers and file other election documents during business hours as posted, by appointment ONLY. NOTE: The Santa Ana City Charter requires persons running for City Council to be a thirty (30) day resident of … Continued

On election day, how and where do I vote?

Before each election, the Registrar of Voters sends every registered voter a Voter Information Guide “Sample Ballot” that lists the candidates and tells the voter where to vote. To Vote-by-Mail or see more voting options for select Vote Centers, please visit www.ocvote.com/voting.

How do I get to be a registered voter in Santa Ana?

Any person who is 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States or naturalized citizen can register to vote by filling out an Affidavit of Registration.  Check the Registrar of Voters website  for further information.  Registration forms are available at the following locations: County of Orange Registrar of Voters Office 1300 South Grand Avenue … Continued

Who is responsible for conducting City elections?

The City Clerk and the Orange County Registrar of Voters jointly conduct elections for the City of Santa Ana.  The Clerk’s staff advises candidates about procedures; accepts and maintains campaign statement reports; provides voter registration forms; maintains precinct information; and provides maps and instruction manuals to candidates.  The Registrar of Voters prints the ballots and … Continued

When do candidates who are elected take office?

The Registrar of Voters Office certifies election results (the Registrar has up to 30 days following election day).  The final results are sent to the City Clerk who in turn presents them to the City Council at a Special Meeting for acceptance.  The City Council approves the election results. The City Clerk administers the Oath … Continued

Does the City of Santa Ana have campaign contribution limits?

Yes. Santa Ana City Charter Section 1206 provides that candidates for city office shall accept no more than $1,000 from any one person per election cycle.  “Election cycle” is the period of time between the date of an election to the office of Mayor or Council member and the date of the next election to the same office. … Continued

How can I withdraw my name from a petition that I signed?

A voter who has signed an initiative, referendum, or recall petition pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this state shall have his or her signature withdrawn from the petition upon filing a written request that includes the voter’s name, residence address, and signature with the appropriate county elections official or city elections official prior to the … Continued

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