Simi Valley, California Public Records

The standard deadline falls 15 days before any election, though conditional voter registration allows registration and voting through Election Day at vote centers and the Ventura County elections office. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, California residency, being at least 18 by Election Day, and not currently serving time for a felony conviction. The city switched to by-district elections in 2018, creating five council districts with members elected to four-year staggered terms. City Council races take place in November of even-numbered years, consolidated with statewide general elections. The next contests are scheduled for November 2024 and November 2026, with specific districts rotating each cycle. Rather than electing a mayor directly, the position rotates among council members. Local ballot measures covering taxes, bonds, and code amendments appear when placed by the City Council or through citizen initiative. Voters can find their assigned polling place or vote center through the Ventura County website at https://www.venturavote.org or by calling the elections office. California has shifted many counties to a Vote Center model where any registered voter can cast a ballot at any center during the 11-day period leading up to and including Election Day. The state's vote-by-mail system allows any registered voter to request permanent mail ballot status, and in recent elections all registered voters automatically receive mail ballots. These can be returned by mail if postmarked by Election Day, placed in drop boxes throughout Ventura County by 8:00 PM on Election Day, or delivered to any vote center. Public election records in California include voter registration files available for political purposes, with birthdates and driver's license numbers excluded. Campaign finance disclosure statements filed by candidates and committees can be accessed through the California Fair Political Practices Commission at https://www.fppc.ca.gov. Candidate statements, precinct-level results showing vote tallies by contest, and historical turnout data are also available. During the November 2024 presidential election, Ventura County reported approximately 62-65% turnout among registered voters, with local precincts typically performing slightly above county averages. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature numerous important races: all 52 of California's U.S. House seats, including District 26 which represents the area; one U.S. Senate seat, the Class III seat currently held by Alex Padilla; all 80 California State Assembly seats and 20 of 40 State Senate seats, with the city located in Assembly District 44 and Senate District 27; statewide constitutional offices including Attorney General and Secretary of State, though not Governor since that four-year term was last elected in 2022; Ventura County Board of Supervisors seats for specific districts; county offices such as Sheriff, District Attorney, and Assessor; Superior Court judges; City Council seats for particular districts; Simi Valley Unified School District Board of Education trustees; and various special district boards covering water, sanitation, and community services. State propositions and county measures addressing taxation, bonds, and policy questions will also be decided. Voters can request mail ballots through the Ventura County elections website, by mail, phone, or in person. Once on the permanent mail ballot list, ballots are automatically sent roughly 29 days before Election Day.