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1. When are elections held in the City of Monterey Park?

Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of March in even-numbered years.

2. 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 district you are running for at the time nomination forms are issued to you. All required forms and guidelines to run for office in the general municipal election will be available in the City Clerk's office starting in November.

3. 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, located at 320 West Newmark Avenue, or you may download the forms available through the Secretary of State website.

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 $2,000* 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 $2,000 threshold.

4. 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.

5. Where do I get election results? How long does it take to count the ballots?

At 8 p.m. on Election Day, the polls close. The Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office (RRCC) is the Central Counting Place (location where ballots are counted).  All semi-final results will be released and available from RRCC headquarters located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.  Semi-final results will also be continuously updated and displayed on the County's website at www.lavote.net throughout Election Night and during the Official Canvass.  

The county elections official shall prepare a certified statement of the results of the election and submit it to the City within 30 days of the election. 

6. 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 for further information. Registration forms are available at the following locations:

City of Monterey Park
City Clerk's Office
320 W. Newmark Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91754

Monterey Park Post Office
245 W.Garvey Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91754

7. 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 online.