Calistoga, California Public Records

Residents register to vote online through the California Secretary of State website at https://registertovote.ca.gov, which connects to the state's VoteCal voter registration database. California offers same-day voter registration through conditional voter registration at vote centers and the Registrar's office during the early voting period and on Election Day. Standard registration must be completed 15 days before any election. Voters need a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The state now automatically registers eligible citizens when they obtain or renew a driver's license through the DMV unless they opt out. Registration status, polling place assignments, and ballot status can be verified at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Municipal elections for City Council seats and mayor take place in November of even-numbered years, with the most recent city elections in November 2024. The City Council consists of five members serving four-year staggered terms, with the mayor selected by council members from among themselves. City council races are nonpartisan and appear on the general election ballot. Candidate filing information, campaign finance disclosure forms (Form 460, 470), and local ballot measures are posted on the city website at https://www.ci.calistoga.ca.us and with the Registrar of Voters office. Local ballot measures for city tax increases or policy questions appear when placed by the council or through citizen initiatives. Voters find their assigned polling place through the County Registrar's website or by calling the office. California now uses a Voter's Choice Act model in many counties, including Napa, which established vote centers that any county voter can use beginning 10 days before Election Day, rather than assigned precinct polling places. Registered voters receive a vote-by-mail ballot automatically. They can return it by mail with no postage required, drop it in an official ballot drop box located throughout the city and county, or bring it to any vote center. Drop box locations in the area typically include City Hall and the Calistoga Fire Department. Vote centers offer in-person voting, same-day registration, ballot replacement, and accessible voting equipment. Election records that are public in California include voter registration files with addresses available to campaigns and researchers, campaign finance reports showing contributions and expenditures for candidates and ballot measure committees accessible through the Napa County Registrar and California Secretary of State, candidate statements and filings, precinct-level election results showing vote totals by geographic area, and historical election data. The Registrar's office posts election results on election night and certifies final results within 30 days. In the November 2024 presidential election, Napa County recorded approximately 67% voter turnout among registered voters, with strong participation reflecting California's vote-by-mail system. The November 3, 2026 general election will be critical for voters throughout the city and county. On the ballot will be races for Governor of California as Gavin Newsom's term expires, all statewide constitutional offices including Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Insurance Commissioner, California State Senate District 3 covering Napa County, California State Assembly District 4, and potentially a U.S. Senate seat if an appointed Senator fills a vacancy. County offices up for election in 2026 include Napa County Board of Supervisors District seats depending on rotation, Napa County District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, and other county department heads. City Council will have seats on the ballot depending on the term expiration schedule. Statewide ballot propositions on taxes, bonds, and policy initiatives are also expected. To request a vote-by-mail ballot in California, voters can complete the application on the back of the County Voter Information Guide mailed before each election, request one online through the Registrar's website, or call the Registrar's office. All registered voters automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots under current California law, but replacement ballots can be requested if the original is lost or damaged.