The following provides a brief background and responsibilities of the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters.

BACKGROUND OF THE OFFICE ORGANIZATION:

The earliest known records in the Stanislaus area are dated back to 1853. Stanislaus became a county in 1854. Stanislaus County Clerks and Recorders since the early 20^th century include:

Elections Office:

The Stanislaus County Elections Office is responsible for the registration of voters, maintenance of voter files, the conduct of federal, state, local and special elections and the verification of initiative, referendum and recall petitions. Each year the office participates in approximately 5 elections for schools, cities and special districts. In 2002 there were approximately 210,000 registered voters, and 350 voting precincts established for countywide elections.

County Clerk Recorder's Office:

In 1989 the Board of Supervisors approved the separation of the County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters from Superior Court. Superior Court retained functions relating to judicial actions, procedures, and records. The Clerk Recorder retained the functions relating to marriage license issuance, the performance of civil marriage ceremonies, fictitious business name filings and indexing, qualification and registration of notaries and miscellaneous statutory issuance of oaths and filings. The office annually issues thousands of marriage licenses and processes fictitious business name filings.
 

In addition to being a Passport Acceptance Agent, the Recorder's Office is responsible for recording legal documents which determine ownership of real property and maintains certificates of birth, death and marriage records for Stanislaus County. All functions of the office are conducted under provisions of the State Constitution, State, Federal and County Codes. The recording operation in Stanislaus County serves the public and other County departments such as the Assessor, Public Works and Tax Collector. Documents on file are essential to the real estate, legal and banking communities and the general economy of the County.