The city clerk serves as the election officer and administers federal, state and local procedures through which local government representatives are selected. The clerk assists candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities before, during and after an election. From election pre-planning to filing of final campaign disclosure documents, the city clerk manages the process which forms the foundation of America's democratic system of government.

The city clerk is the local filing officer for all filings and statements required by the Political Reform Act. This includes campaign contribution and expenditure reports from candidates for City Council and members of the city's boards and commissions and the city's consultants. These documents can be reviewed in the city clerk's office during normal business hours.

The city clerk is entrusted with the responsibility of recording the decisions which constitute the building blocks of the City of Carlsbad's representative government.

As a legislative administrator, the city clerk plays a critical role in the decision-making process of the local legislature.

As the key staff for council meetings, the city clerk prepares the legislative agenda, verifies legal notices have been posted or published, and completes the necessary arrangements to ensure an effective meeting.

The city clerk oversees yet another legislative process, serving as records manager, responsible for the preservation and protection of the public record. By statute, the city cerk is required to maintain and index the minutes, ordinances and resolutions adopted by the legislative body. The  city clerk also ensures that other municipal records are readily accessible to the public. The public record under the conservatorship of the city clerk provides fundamental integrity to the structure of democracy.