Fullerton, California Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the California Secretary of State's website at https://registertovote.ca.gov. The state offers same-day voter registration through Election Day at vote centers, though online and mail registration must be completed 15 days before an election. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, California residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction. California automatically registers eligible citizens who conduct transactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles unless they opt out. No identification is required to register if providing a valid California driver's license or ID number. Fullerton holds municipal elections for mayor and city council seats under a council-manager form of government. The five-member city council includes a directly-elected mayor, with council members serving four-year staggered terms. Municipal elections transitioned to even-numbered years to align with state and federal contests and increase voter participation.cityoffullerton.com. Voters can find their assigned vote center locations through the Orange County Registrar of Voters website at www.ocvote.gov/voting/find-my-ballot-drop-box-or-vote-center. The county uses a vote center model rather than traditional precinct polling places, allowing residents to cast their ballot at any vote center in Orange County during the early voting period (up to 10 days before Election Day) or on Election Day itself. Vote centers offer same-day registration, accessible voting equipment, and multilingual assistance. Under California law, voter registration information including names, addresses, political party affiliation, and voting history (whether someone voted, not how they voted) is public record available for purchase, primarily used by campaigns and researchers. Campaign finance records for state and local candidates are searchable through the California Fair Political Practices Commission at www.fppc.ca.gov and local campaign statements filed with the Fullerton City Clerk. Candidate filings, nomination papers, and statements of qualifications are public records available at the City Clerk's office. Precinct-level election results for all Orange County races are published on the Registrar of Voters website following certification. 1 million registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement across the county including Fullerton. Various state propositions and local ballot measures addressing county and city issues will also appear on the ballot. California voters can request vote-by-mail ballots online through the Orange County Registrar of Voters website at www.ocvote.gov or by calling 714-567-7600. All registered California voters are automatically sent vote-by-mail ballots unless they opt out. Vote-by-mail ballots are mailed to voters beginning 29 days before Election Day and must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days after the election to be counted. Voters can also return completed ballots to any ballot drop box or vote center in Orange County. Ballot tracking is available through the "Where's My Ballot?" system at california.ballottrax.net, which sends notifications when ballots are mailed, received, and counted.