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1. When are elections held in the City of Laguna Niguel?

Elections for Council Members are held on even-numbered years on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. The next City election will be held on November 8, 2016.

2. Is there a fee involved in filing for office?

No, there is no filing fee.

3. What do I need to do to become a candidate for the next City election?

To become a candidate in the next City election, you must first be a registered voter and reside in the City of Laguna Niguel at the time nomination forms are issued to you.

4. Where do I get the required forms to start a campaign committee? What forms do I need?

You may obtain the required forms from the City Clerk’s office, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California or you may download the forms available from the Fair Political Practices Commission (see link below). If a candidate intends to solicit donations or spend more than $1,000 they must file the following Form 410: Statement of Organization with the Secretary of State and provide a copy to the City Clerk.

Fair Political Practices Commission Website

5. Does the City of Laguna Niguel have a campaign contribution limit?

Yes. Laguna Niguel provides that candidates for city office shall accept no more than $1,000 from any one person per election cycle.

NOTE: Candidates have no restrictions as to the amount of money they can contribute from their own personal funds to their campaign account.

6. 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 the County Registrar of Voters Office where they are counted by computer. Ballot counting continues until all the ballots received at the polls are tallied (this sometimes takes all night). The results which are “unofficial” at this point are given to the newspapers, television, radio stations, and individuals waiting in the Registrar of Voters office. Results are also available on the County Registrar’s web site at: http://ocvote.com

7. How do I register to vote?

If you are a U.S. Citizen and over 18 years of age, you are eligible to register to vote. If a person makes any change in his/her name, address or political party, he/she must re-register. Voter registration cards are available from the City Clerk’s office. Registration forms are also available at the County of Orange Registrar of Voters Office, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana. Click on the link below for more information. Voter Registration Information

8. 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 (polling place). On Election Day, you should go to the polling place indicated on the pamphlet. You may also contact the City Clerk at (949) 362-4300 on Election Day to find out your local polling place.

9. When do candidates who are elected take office?

The Registrar of Voters Office certifies election results (the Registrar has up to 28 days following Election Day to complete this work). The final results are sent to the City Clerk who in turn presents them to the City Council at a Special Meeting for certification. The City Clerk administers the Oath of Office to the successful candidates at the second Council meeting in November or the first Council meeting in December.

10. Who is responsible for conducting City elections?

The Orange County Registrar of Voters conducts elections for the City of Laguna Niguel. The City Clerk provides candidates with the necessary forms to run for office and advises them about procedures, accepts and maintains campaign statement records, provides voter registration forms and maintains precinct information. The Registrar of Voters prints the ballots and voter pamphlet, trains poll workers, administers elections at the polls, counts the ballots and certifies the election results.