MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Elections Office and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) are joining efforts to offer a new program, Books and Ballots: Candidate Filing.
The program offers flex candidate filing locations at various libraries during specified times in the candidate filing period. Candidates for school and special district offices will be able to meet with a filing officer to ask questions or file for office, and of course, check out the latest offerings at their local library.
On partnering with Elections, Hillary Theyer, director of MCFL, states, “Part of the public library mission is to help people engage with their rights and resources. Voting is critical and this partnership is a pleasure.”
According to Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters, “After the successful launch of our Books and Ballots voting program, we are pleased to announce the Books and Ballots: Candidate Filing program. This program expands access to the ballot and enhances participation in the democratic process, especially for schools and special districts.” She added, “We are fortunate to have partners in democracy, such as the Monterey County Free Libraries, to help us improve access to the ballot to our communities.”
Books and Ballots dates and locations include:
- Thursday, July 25, 2024, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley
- Friday, July 26, 2024, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley
- Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., at King City Library, 402 Broadway St., King City
- Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., at King City Library, 402 Broadway St., King City
Appointments are required and can be scheduled via email at Ca***************@co**************.gov or by phone 831-796-1499/toll-free 866-887-9274.
In addition, official nomination documents are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the filing period at the Monterey County Elections Department, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Candidates for municipal offices will contact their city clerk for more information.
Monterey County Candidate Guidelines and a virtual candidate seminar are available at countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/elections/candidates/election-calendar/candidate-guidelines/.