FAQs

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 City Clerk 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.

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Elections

1. How do I become a registered voter in Malibu?: 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 Malibu 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 Forms are available at Malibu City Hall, all US Post Offices, or online at
www.lavote.net.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to run for Malibu City Council?: To hold any elective office within the City of Malibu, a person must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, and be a registered voter of the City of Malibu at the time the nomination paper is issued. The City Clerk will not issue a nomination paper if the candidate is not a registered voter. (California Elections Code ["E.C."] §201.)

If an elected official moves his or her place of residence outside of the City limits or ceases to be an elector of the City during his or her term of office, the office of that elected official shall immediately become vacant. (California Government Code ["G.C."] §36502.)

3. Is there a filing fee involved for my candidacy?: No. The governing body has the discretion to establish a filing fee, but the City of Malibu has not done so. The City provides equal opportunity for all candidates to fully participate by not charging a filing fee.

4. Is there a fee for my candidate's statement?: Yes. The fee covers the cost of printing your statement in the Sample Ballot. The total deposit required for your statement is $418. 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 Malibu, 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 City Clerk 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. Who is responsible for conducting Malibu General Municipal Elections?: City of Malibu 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Can someone deliver my nomination paper to the City Clerk for me?: Yes. Please be sure that all forms are properly completed. If there are any questions on any form or they are not completed properly, your nomination paper may not be accepted.

13. How often does the City Council meet?: The City Council holds its Regular meeting on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. Other adjourned or special meetings are scheduled as City business necessitates. These meetings are open to the public.

14. Is the City Council position paid?: Yes. Pursuant to Malibu City Council Resolution No. 04-48, Councilmembers receive a monthly stipend of $565.68. In addition, Councilmembers are eligible to receive some benefits. A complete list of compensative benefits is available from the Human Resources Department.