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1. How do I become a registered voter in Avalon?

Any person who is at least 18 years of age on Election Day, a citizen of the United States, or a naturalized citizen, and a resident of the City of Avalon can register to vote with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk by filling out a Voter Registration Form. If you move, change your name, or wish to change your political party affiliation, you must re-register to vote. You must be registered to vote at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. (NOTE: AB 1436 may allow registration up to and including the date of election if certain requirements are met.) Registration online at www.lavote.net..

2. How to I go about becoming a candidate for the 2024 General Municipal Election?

Contact the City Clerk's Office by email or phone to set up an appointment to pull candidate paperwork with Gabrielle Morones, Deputy City Clerk, and/or Devin Hart, Management Analyst. The period to pull paperwork to become a candidate begins from November 13, 2023 to December 8, 2023.

3. Is there a filing fee involved to run for office?

No. The governing body has the discretion to establish a filing fee, but the City of Avalon has not done so. The City provides equal opportunity for all candidates to fully participate by not charging a filing fee; however, there is a fee for candidates wishing to publish a candidate statement in the voter guide. 

4. Is there a fee for my candidate's statement?

Yes. The fee covers the cost of printing and translating your statement in the Sample Ballot. The total deposit required for your statement is $400. Should the actual cost be less than the deposit, the difference will be refunded. Should the actual cost be more than the deposit, a bill for the difference will be mailed to you.

5. Who can sign my nomination paper?

Any registered voter in the jurisdiction, the City of Avalon, may sign a nomination paper. This includes the candidate and/or the circulator. If the circulator is different than the candidate, the circulator must also be a registered voter of the jurisdiction. Each seat on the governing board is a separate office. A voter may sign the number of nomination papers as there are seats available. A nomination paper must contain at least 20, but not more than 30 nominations. A minimum of 20 must be verified for your nomination to be valid.

6. What if some of the signatures I obtain on my nomination paper are not registered voters or do not live within the City limits?

These signatures will not be counted toward the 20 signatures required for you to run for office. The Los Angeles County Registrars/Recorders Office must verify the signatures on all nomination papers, so file your nomination paper early to avoid this problem. If you wait until the last day of the filing period to file and any sponsor signature, for any reason, is insufficient, it will not be counted toward the required signatures and you may not qualify as a candidate. If you file early, there will be time to check the signatures and notify you of any discrepancies, and you will then have an opportunity to circulate and submit a supplemental nomination paper.

7. Where can I obtain information on elections?

To determine the Vote Center closest to you or to obtain voter information, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website at: www.lavote.net.

8. What happens if I change my mind about running for office after filing the nomination paper?

You may withdraw as a candidate at any time prior to the close of the nomination period. After that date, you may not withdraw, and your name will appear on the ballot.

9. May I change or correct the wording or spelling on my candidate's statement after submission?

No. Check your candidate’s statement carefully before submitting it, as it will be printed exactly as submitted.

10. If I submit a voluntary candidate's statement and I change my mind, may I withdraw the statement?

The candidate’s statement may be withdrawn but not changed until 5:00 PM the business day following the close of the nomination period.

11. Who is responsible for conducting the Avalon General Municipal Elections?

City of Avalon elections are consolidated with the County of Los Angeles. The City Clerk, as the Local Elections Official, assists candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities before, during, and after an election. From election pre-planning to the certification of official election results from the County, and filing of final campaign disclosure documents, the City Clerk manages the process that forms the foundation of our democratic system of government.