Elaina Cano for SLO County Clerk-Recorder - Media

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Elaina Cano, the newly appointed San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder, has officially declared her candidacy. Residing in San Luis Obispo County with her husband, Marty, since 1992, Cano is one of three candidates vying for this non-partisan position, which encompasses the roles of County Clerk, County Recorder, and Registrar of Voters. Her campaign will highlight her qualifications as the only experienced candidate, having dedicated nearly five years to the SLO County Clerk-Recorder’s office and two years in the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Elections Department.

Currently, Cano oversees the management of the Clerk-Recorder’s 21 employees and the execution of the department’s $3.9 million budget. During the upcoming campaign, she aims to inform voters about the intricate aspects of the Clerk-Recorder’s office, particularly the recent changes to voting districts resulting from the State and County Board of Supervisors' redistricting efforts. Unlike other political offices where candidates may advance specific agendas, the Clerk-Recorder appointment demands specialized training and hands-on experience to ensure that all divisions function smoothly, efficiently, and lawfully.

Cano prioritizes prompt, friendly, and efficient customer service across all divisions she manages. "I am proud of our employees who do a stellar job of serving our citizens," Cano stated.

"I am dedicated to fairness, public access, and personal accountability. I will be available at any time to meet with individuals and groups to discuss the operations of my department and my qualifications to continue serving as County Clerk-Recorder," Cano emphasized.

As a principal member of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials and the County Recorders Association of California, Cano stays informed on proposed laws, new technologies, and processes related to SLO County elections. This collaboration with colleagues across the fifty-seven other counties in California enhances her effectiveness in the role. Cano is also a Certified Municipal Clerk, Registered Elections Official, and a California Professional Election Administrator. Additionally, she holds an Associate in Arts degree from Cuesta College and a Bachelor’s in Arts degree from the University of LaVerne.

WE ENDED UP WITH A QUALIFIED COUNTY CLERK

County Clerk/Recorder Tommy Gong resigned before the end of his term, facing pressure from "Stop the Steal" conservatives who questioned his competence, alleged ties to the "Chinese Communist Party," and demanded election "reforms," such as hand-counting ballots. The far-right majority on the Board of Supervisors seriously considered applications from various unqualified candidates for the Clerk-Recorder appointment to replace Gong.

Supervisor Lynn Compton emerged as the hero-for-the-day by ultimately voting with the liberal minority to narrow the finalists for interviews. This decision paved the way for the appointment of Elaina Cano, who had previously held supervisory roles in county clerk offices in both Santa Barbara and SLO County elections, and had served as city clerk in San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. A big sigh of relief followed.

The Clerk-Recorder appointment will continue until 2023 when Tommy Gong’s position would have been up for election, potentially paving the way for candidates like Elaina Cano to participate in the SLO County elections.

Elaina Cano, Vicki Nohrden, and Templeton High Drama are making headlines, especially with the upcoming SLO County elections and the recent Clerk-Recorder appointment.