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:

2024 Laguna Beach Candidate Handbook

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

Local Ballot Measures

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.