Voter & Election Information


2024 ElectionS! IMG_0771

Presidential Primary Election March 5, 2024
Link to County of humboldt candidate filing page

the City Clerks office is preparing for the upcoming elections! Information regarding the november 5, 2024 election will be provided soon! There will be two fortuna city council seats up for election. if you are interested please contact the city clerks office!
REGISTER TO VOTE HERE!!

FORTUNA CITY COUNCIL
The City Council is the governing body of the City and is responsible for establishing policies and programs. The City Council is also responsible for seeing that local policies and laws address both short and long term needs, and that citizens receive a return on their tax investment in term of efficient City services.

Under the Council-Manager form of government, citizens elect their Council Members who make decisions which determine the policies of the City.
Election information Voted Stickers on a roll

BASIC STEPS IN RUNNING FOR OFFICE
The City of Fortuna is a charter city, and unless otherwise provided by ordinance, all elections shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California. 

It’s easy to get started running for office. You must be a registered voter living within the corporate limits of the City of Fortuna to be eligible for office. You may not hold elected office if you have been convicted of designated crimes specified in the Constitution and laws of the State. You may not make any reference to party affiliation on required forms, since the City Council is a nonpartisan body.

During a specific period known as the “Nomination Period". You can obtain your candidate packet and official nomination papers from the Fortuna City Clerk; you need a minimum of 20, maximum of 30 registered voters from your city to sign your papers; you complete the papers; and you turn them into the Fortuna City Clerk. 

You must call (707) 725-1411 to schedule an appointment to pick up candidate paperwork in person and an additional appointment to file. Please allow 30 minutes when picking up your papers, and 45 minutes when filing them. 

Before starting your campaign, you will need to become familiar with a number of other requirements. This is not an all-inclusive list, so please be sure to check with the Fortuna City Clerk on other requirements.

Fair Political Practices Commission RULES AND REGULATIONS.

You and your campaign Treasurer will need to become familiar with the rules of the Political Reform Act, which is the State law that regulates contributions and expenditures for elective offices in California. The Fair Political Practices Commission (the FPPC) has regulatory responsibility and authority for the Act. The day-to-day implementation of the Act for City offices is the responsibility of the Fortuna City Clerk.

FPPC manuals and forms are available from the FPPC website or from the Fortuna City Clerk’s office. 

If you plan on receiving or spending more than $2,000 on your campaign, here are some things you will need to do:

  • Obtain a copy of Campaign Manual 2 from the FPPC website or from the City Clerk; read it and give a copy to your Treasurer.
  • Before you collect or spend any funds in connection with your campaign, file a Form 501, Candidate Intention Statement.
  • Open a bank account for your committee.
  • Within 10 days of receiving $2,000 in contributions, file a Form 410, Statement of Organization.
  • Become familiar with campaign report filing requirements and deadlines.
  • Attend an FPPC seminar (information available on the FPPC website or call the FPPC at 916-322-5660).

 HOW TO RUN FOR OFFICE
NOMINATION PAPERS
Every election starts with a “Nominating period.” This is the period of time that begins 113 days before the day of the election and ends 88 days before the day of the election. This is the only period of time during which you can obtain “nomination papers,” which are the forms you need to submit in order to run for office.  Contact your City Clerk at (707) 725-1411 or by email at semmons@ci.fortuna.ca.us for an appointment.

Some candidate forms can be filled out and downloaded directly from this elections webpage. You can then print the forms and bring them to your appointment with the City Clerk. This option is provided as a time saving option for candidates and will reduce your appointment time. Please note, Nomination, Supplemental Nomination Papers and Petition-in-Lieu of Filing Fee Form must be issued to you in person by the City Clerk Elections Official per Elections Code.

Fillable Candidate Nomination Forms

*Please note that viewing/opening this document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. This program can be downloaded by clicking the following link https://get.adobe.com/reader/

OBTAIN SIGNATURES
Obtain the signatures of a minimum of 20, maximum of 30 registered voters residing within the City limits of Fortuna on your nomination papers (issued in person by the City Clerk at your appointment).

BALLOT DESIGNATION
This is the word or group of not more than three words which will appear on the ballot under your name. It designates your principal profession, vocation, or occupation, subject to certain requirements of the Elections Code. The City of Fortuna has adopted the Secretary of State guidelines for Ballot Designations.

CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT
Start thinking about what you want your candidate’s statement to say. Your statement is limited to 200 words, as defined by the Elections Code, and should be a brief statement of your education and qualifications.

CAMPAIGN SIGNS
Campaign sign regulations vary greatly from city to city. Check with your City Clerk regarding your City’s political sign ordinance and requirements and review updated requirements outlined by the Section 17.05.180 "Signs" of the Fortuna Municipal Code.


YOUR CITY CLERK AND DEPUTY CITY CLERK ARE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU!!!

Siana Emmons, City Clerk 
Ashley Chambers, Deputy City Clerk
City of Fortuna