Información de las elecciones
Who is responsible for conducting City elections?
The City Clerk's Office conducts General Municipal Elections for the City of Monterey Park. 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 election results and filing of final campaign disclosure documents.
When are elections held in the City of Monterey Park?
Elections for Council Members are held the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of March in odd-numbered years. The next City election will be held March 3, 2009 and voters will elect two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer.
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 in the City at the time nomination forms are issued to you.
All required forms and guidelines to run for office in the March 3, 2009 election will be available in the City Clerk's Office starting in November 2008.
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, 320 W. Newmark Ave, or you may download the forms available through the Secretary of State website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/prd/campaign_info/forms_instructions/compend_camp_forms.htm
The forms required include:
- Form 501: Candidate Intention Form - To start the candidate process.
When to file: File before you solicit or receive any contributions or before you make expenditures from personal funds on behalf of your candidacy.
Where to file: Original filed with the City Clerk's Office.
- Form 410: Campaign Committee Form - If raising or spending $1,000* or more.
When to file: File within 10 days of receiving $1,000 in contributions. The date this form is postmarked is the date it is considered filed.
Where to file: Original filed with Secretary of State. Copy given to City Clerk's Office.
*The personal funds of a candidate or officeholder used in connection with seeking or holding elective office are contributions and are counted toward qualifying as a recipient committee. However, personal funds used to pay a candidate filing fee or a fee for the statement of qualifications to appear in the ballot pamphlet are not counted toward the $1,000 threshold.
Does the City of Monterey Park have campaign contribution limits?
The City of Monterey Park follows the guidelines for campaign contributions as set forth in the State of California Elections Code.
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 ballots from the polling places are taken to the City Council Chambers (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 of Monterey Park website and Channel 55. In addition, these results, along with absent voter and provisional ballots, constitute the "official" canvass and are presented to the City Council for adoption.
How do I become a registered voter in Monterey Park?
Any person who is 18 years of age or older and a citizen of the U.S. can register to vote by filling out a Voter Registration form. It is required that you file a new form each time you move or have a name change. You must be registered to vote at least 15 days prior to the election in which you intend to vote. Check the L.A. County Registrar of Voters website at: www.lavote.net for further information. Registration forms are available at the following locations:
City of Monterey Park Monterey Park Post Office
City Clerk's Office Garvey Ave.
320 W. Newmark Ave.
Monterey Park CA 91754
On Election Day, how and where do I vote?
Before each election, the City Clerk sends every registered voter a Voter Information Guide "Sample Ballot" that lists the candidates and tells the voters where to find his/her polling place. On Election Day, you need to go to the polling place indicated on 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. If you lost your sample ballot or are not sure where your polling place is, you can log onto the L.A. County Registrar Recorder's website and find your polling place or print out a sample ballot at http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/ .