“House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws.” (U.S. House of Representatives, The House Explained)

“The number of voting representatives in the House is fixed by law at no more than 435, proportionally representing the population of the 50 states.” (U.S. House of Representatives, The House Explained)

“Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district.” (U.S. House of Representatives, The House Explained)

“The Senate has always jealously guarded its power to review and approve or reject presidential appointees to executive and judicial branch posts.” (U.S. Senate, Powers and Procedures)

“The Constitution gives the Senate the power to approve, by a two-thirds vote, treaties made by the executive branch.” (U.S. Senate, Powers and Procedures)

“The Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials, essentially serving as jury and judge.” (U.S. Senate, Powers and Procedures)

“The House is one of Congress's two chambers (the other is the U.S. Senate), and part of the federal government's legislative branch.” (U.S. House of Representatives, The House Explained)

“The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years.” (U.S. Senate, The Senate and the United States Constitution)

“As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies and appoints judges. Proposes new laws and approves or vetoes legislation. Prepares and submits the annual state budget. Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal from office, or absence from the state. Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“As the state's chief elections officer, oversees statewide elections and provides public access to campaign and lobbying financial information. Supports California business by registering and authenticating certain types of businesses and trademarks” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“As the state's chief fiscal officer, serves as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds. Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“Conducts audits and reviews of state operations.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“As the state's banker, manages the state's investments. Administers the sale of state bonds and notes, and is the investment officer for most state funds.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced. Heads the Department of Justice, which is responsible for providing state legal services and support for local law enforcement. Acts as the chief legal counsel in state litigation. Oversees law enforcement agencies, including county district attorneys and sheriffs.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“Oversees and directs all functions of the Department of Insurance. Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies. Answers public questions and complaints regarding the insurance industry. Enforces California insurance laws and adopts regulations to implement the laws.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“As the state's chief public schools official, provides education policy and direction to local school districts. Directs all functions of the Department of Education and executes policies set by the State Board of Education.” (California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide (June 2010, archived))

“Today, the BOE is constitutionally and statutorily responsible for overseeing California's property tax system, as well as the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers.” (California State Board of Equalization, About BOE)

“Each of the BOE's constitutional and statutory duties is critical to promoting a consistent and uniform property tax system throughout the state.” (California State Board of Equalization, About BOE)

“Most cases in California start in one of the 58 superior courts, or trial courts, handling both civil and criminal cases, such as family, probate, mental health, juvenile, and traffic cases.” (Judicial Branch of California, California Judicial System)

“In trial (superior) courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witnesses' testimony and other evidence and decides cases by applying the relevant law to the relevant facts.” (Judicial Branch of California, Superior Courts)

“The WRD is a special water District that was established in 1959 by popular vote to counteract the effects of over pumping of groundwater from two major groundwater basins in Los Angeles County.” (Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2022)

“WRD manages the Central and West Coast groundwater basin (collectively, the "Basins") which provide groundwater for approximately four million residents in 43 cities of southern Los Angeles County (County).” (Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2022)

“WRD Board of Directors voted to increase the Fiscal Year 2022 Replenishment Assessment to $394.00 per acre-foot.” (Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2022)

“As a part time elected official, the City Clerk is responsible for establishing policies, guidelines and procedures for the operation of the City Clerk's office.” (City of Monterey Park, City Clerk's Office)

“The City Clerk serves as the filing officer for candidate campaign finance statements and conflict of interest statements by elected, appointed officials and key city employees.” (City of Monterey Park, City Clerk's Office)

“In California, appellate court justices are first appointed by the governor and then subject to approval by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. Newly confirmed justices have to face voters at the next gubernatorial election and when they want another term.” (LAist, 2026 voter guide to Court of Appeal justices)

“Since the state's retention election process was created in 1934, no Court of Appeals justice has ever been defeated in a retention election, while three Supreme Court justices were defeated (all in 1986). In all, justices were retained in 794 of the 797 retention elections held in the state's history (99.6%).” (California Assembly Elections Committee, analysis of ACA 8 (2025))

“The percentage of ballots that are left blank (commonly referred to as "drop-off") in retention elections regularly exceeds 25%, and has been more than 40% in some recent retention elections. By contrast, drop-off in elections for statewide office during the same time period typically has ranged from 2%-6%” (California Assembly Elections Committee, analysis of ACA 8 (2025))

“It's rare for a justice to lose a seat, so your vote here is largely about sending a signal on whether you support what they've done.” (LAist, 2026 voter guide to Court of Appeal justices)

“even if you've undervoted, the things you do vote on still count.” (LAist, on undervoting)

“These ideas can come from anybody and the process begins when either an individual or group persuades a Member of the Legislature to author a bill.” (California State Senate, Citizens' Guide: Legislative Process)

“If the Governor vetoes the bill, a two-thirds vote in each house is needed to override the veto.” (California State Senate, Citizens' Guide: Legislative Process)

“After its introduction, the Legislature has until June 15 to pass the budget.” (California State Senate, The Budget Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation)

“The final state budget determines which services are provided and who pays for them.” (California State Senate, The Budget Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation)

“Members of the Assembly are elected for two-year terms, while Senators are elected for four-year terms, with one-half of the membership elected every two years.” (California State Assembly, California's State Assembly (2015))

“Out of 38+ million Californians, each Member of the Assembly represents approximately 475,000 people, and each Senator represents approximately 950,000 people.” (California State Assembly, California's State Assembly (2015))

“During his or her lifetime a person may serve no more than 12 years in the Senate, Assembly, or both, in any combination of terms.” (California State Senate, FAQs)

“These ideas can come from anybody and the process begins when either an individual or group persuades a Member of the Legislature to author a bill.” (California State Senate, Citizens' Guide: Legislative Process)

“If the Governor vetoes the bill, a two-thirds vote in each house is needed to override the veto.” (California State Senate, Citizens' Guide: Legislative Process)

“The Senate has a membership of 40 Senators elected for 4-year terms, 20 to begin every 2 years.” (California State Senate, FAQs)

“After its introduction, the Legislature has until June 15 to pass the budget.” (California State Senate, The Budget Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation)

“The final state budget determines which services are provided and who pays for them.” (California State Senate, The Budget Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation)

“Members of the Assembly are elected for two-year terms, while Senators are elected for four-year terms, with one-half of the membership elected every two years.” (California State Assembly, California's State Assembly (2015))

“Out of 38+ million Californians, each Member of the Assembly represents approximately 475,000 people, and each Senator represents approximately 950,000 people.” (California State Assembly, California's State Assembly (2015))

“During his or her lifetime a person may serve no more than 12 years in the Senate, Assembly, or both, in any combination of terms.” (California State Senate, FAQs)

“The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer of Los Angeles County, enforcing state laws and county ordinances across 77% of the county's unincorporated areas and all cities within the county.” (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff's Department budget summary (2025))

“The office provides law enforcement and traffic services to 42 cities, as well as agencies like the Los Angeles Superior Court and Metrolink.” (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff's Department budget summary (2025))

“Additionally, the Sheriff manages the care, placement, and secure housing of approximately 13,000 individuals in County jails across seven facilities.” (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff's Department budget summary (2025))

“Courtroom Security Services: Serving as bailiff and protecting judges and juries.” (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff's Department budget summary (2025))

“The Los Angeles Community College District is governed by a seven-member Board.” (Los Angeles Community College District, BuildLACCD: Leadership)

“Board members are elected at large for terms of four years.” (Los Angeles Community College District, BuildLACCD: Leadership)

“Elections are held every two years, with three members being chosen at one election and four members at the other.” (Los Angeles Community College District, BuildLACCD: Leadership)

“Over the past 83 years, the nine colleges combined have served more than three million students.” (LACCD Citizens' Oversight Committee, Annual Report 2011-12)

“In it is a breakdown of the costs and a review of the progress made on the construction, renovation, up- grades, furnishings and equipment for projects at the nine colleges and the satellite campuses funded by Proposi- tion A, AA and Measure J.” (LACCD Citizens' Oversight Committee, Annual Report 2011-12)

“The City Council determines service levels and revenue obligations through the adoption of an annual budget, authorizes City contracts and expenditures, establishes municipal service goals and operating policies, and adopts regulatory measures necessary to establish community protection.” (City of Monterey Park, City Council)

“The City Treasurer is an elected position and is responsible to the electorate for overseeing the custody of the City monies and their disbursement upon order of the City Council.” (City of Monterey Park, Elected Officials)

“As a general-law city, Montebello operates through the Council - City Manager form of municipal government.” (City of Montebello, Elected Officials)

“The five City Council members are elected to overlapping terms of four years and annually select one of their members to serve as Mayor.” (City of Montebello, Elected Officials)

“The City Council is the legislative body responsible for the overall policies and direction for the City of Montebello.” (City of Montebello, Elected Officials)

“The City Council appoints residents to serve on several commissions.” (City of Montebello, Elected Officials)

“The board's primary role is to establish Montebello's long-term vision, maintain a basic organizational structure, and ensure educational and fiscal accountability to the community while providing community leadership.” (California State Auditor, Report 2017-104 on Montebello Unified (2017), Introduction)

“The board is also solely responsible for employing the superintendent, who is the general administrator of all of Montebello's instructional and business operations.” (California State Auditor, Report 2017-104 on Montebello Unified (2017), Introduction)

“The board is charged constitutionally with the general supervision of the university and the exclusive control and direction of all funds of and appropriations to the university, unless otherwise provided by law.” (University of Colorado Board of Regents)

“The County Assessor is responsible for valuing all real and personal property, including mobile homes, residential and commercial properties and agricultural land for property tax purposes.” (Larimer County Assessor)

“The Assessor determines the equitable value of property to ensure that each taxpayer pays only their fair share of the taxes.” (Larimer County Assessor)

“Anyone who disagrees with changes in the actual value of real property can object or file a protest with the Assessor in May .” (Larimer County Assessor)

“The Treasurer does NOT determine the amount of tax to be collected.” (Larimer County Treasurer & Public Trustee)

“For more information on the value of your property or the amount of the taxes collected, please contact the Larimer County Assessor's Office .” (Larimer County Treasurer & Public Trustee)

“The Larimer County Surveyor is a professional land surveyor and is responsible for representing the county in boundary disputes.” (Larimer County Surveyor)

“When authorized by the Board of County Commissioners, the Surveyor conducts surveys of county property including rights-of-way.” (Larimer County Surveyor)

“The Office of the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner is responsible for investigating all sudden and/or unexpected deaths throughout the county.” (Larimer County Coroner)

“Through an investigation, a determination is made as to the cause and manner of death.” (Larimer County Coroner)

“This includes death while a person is in custody or within 24 hours of being admitted to a hospital, as well as all fatal traffic deaths, homicides, and suicides.” (Larimer County Coroner)

“The Colorado Attorney General is one of four independently elected statewide offices in Colorado and was established by the State Constitution upon statehood in 1876.” (Colorado Attorney General, About us)

“Upholding the United States and Colorado Constitutions.” (Colorado Attorney General, About us)

“Defending the laws and officers of the State of Colorado from legal challenge.” (Colorado Attorney General, About us)

“Advocating for policies that help law enforcement improve community safety.” (Colorado Attorney General, About us)

“These varied duties are divided primarily between the Business & Licensing and Elections Divisions.” (Colorado Secretary of State, About the office)

“The basic mission of the Department of State is to collect, secure, and make accessible a wide variety of public records, ensure the integrity of elections, and enhance commerce.” (Colorado Secretary of State, About the office)

“Supervises elections, maintains statewide voter registration file, verifies initiative petition signatures, and administers the Campaign Finance Laws” (Colorado Secretary of State, About the office)

“Larimer's three-member Board of County Commissioners is the main policy-making body in the County and works to represent the interest of the citizens of Larimer County at local, state and national levels.” (Larimer County Board of County Commissioners)

“Commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts for four-year staggered terms.” (Larimer County Board of County Commissioners)

“If a bill passes, or is approved, by both the House and the Senate, it will go to the Governor.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“The Governor can do three things with the bill: sign it into law, allow it to become law without his or her signature, or veto the billl.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“Each time a vacancy occurs, the Governor selects a new judge from a list of two or three highly qualified nominees chosen by a judicial nominating commission.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“The Colorado State Treasury is the constitutional custodian of the public's funds.” (Colorado Department of the Treasury, Long Range Financial Plan (Nov. 2021))

“It is the Treasury's duty to manage and account for the citizen's tax dollars from the time they are received until the time they are disbursed.” (Colorado Department of the Treasury, Long Range Financial Plan (Nov. 2021))

“As funds are deposited, they are invested in statutorily authorized investments.” (Colorado Department of the Treasury, Long Range Financial Plan (Nov. 2021))

“Simultaneously, the Treasury ensures that sufficient funds are maintained in cash accounts to meet the State's daily cash needs.” (Colorado Department of the Treasury, Long Range Financial Plan (Nov. 2021))

“The Treasury Department is organized into five distinct divisions: Administration (encompassing Accounting, Cash Management and Banking, Investments, Debt Management), CLIMBER, Secure Savings, Unclaimed Property, and Special Purpose.” (Colorado Department of the Treasury, Long Range Financial Plan (Nov. 2021))

“There are 100 legislators (35 Senators and 65 Representatives).” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“Our legislators make laws to improve the lives of people living in our state.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“Legislators represent the people living in their districts.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“In committee, a small group of legislators hear from the public about why a bill should or should not be made into law.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“Senators are term limited to 2 four-year terms and representatives to 4 two-year terms.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“Term limits are consecutive and members can run again after sitting out the length of a term.” (Colorado General Assembly, The Legislature at a Glance)

“The Office of the Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording deeds, liens and other documents in the permanent public record, providing motor vehicle services such as titling and registration, and overseeing elections in the County, including providing polling equipment and tabulating results, monitoring polling sites, providing ballots, and maintaining voter registration rolls.” (Larimer County 2022 Budget, Introduction & Overview)

“An annual budget of almost 70 million dollars is used to operate the agency in order to fulfill the statutory duties of the Sheriff.” (Larimer County Sheriff's Office, About)

“The statutory duties of the Sheriff are: Law Enforcement Keeper of the Jail Officer of the Court Court Security Transportation of Prisoners Fire Warden Search and Rescue Hazardous Materials” (Larimer County Sheriff's Office, About)

“In 1966, Colorado voters passed a constitutional amendment that abolished partisan elections for state court judges and established a new merit selection system for the nomination, appointment, and retention of state court judges.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“Each time a vacancy occurs, the Governor selects a new judge from a list of two or three highly qualified nominees chosen by a judicial nominating commission.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“The judge serves a two-year provisional term before his or her name is on the ballot for retention.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“Once retained, the judge serves a fixed term - four years for county court judges, six years for district court judges, eight years for court of appeals judges, and ten years for supreme court justices - before his or her name is on a retention ballot again.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“Commissions on judicial performance provide voters with fair, responsible, and constructive evaluations of judges and justices seeking retention in general elections.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Frequently Asked Questions)

“Colorado voters elected to retain 1,898 of the 1,914 (99.2%) judicial officers standing for retention since 1990.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Fact Sheet)

“Colorado voters retained 99.7% of the judges receiving "Retain" recommendations, 63.6% of those receiving "Do Not Retain" recommendations, and retained all judicial officers where commissions offered no opinion.” (Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Fact Sheet)

“The Prosecuting Attorney's Office represents the state and county in both criminal and civil legal matters.” (King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

“We are responsible for prosecuting all felonies in King County and all misdemeanors in unincorporated areas of King County.” (King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

“We are also the County's law firm.” (King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

“As the legislative branch of county government, the Council sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services for county residents.” (Metropolitan King County Council)

“The Council's nine councilmembers are elected on a non-partisan basis and serve four-year terms.” (Metropolitan King County Council)

“Each councilmember represents a geographical district of over 260,000 residents.” (Metropolitan King County Council)

“Home to one-third of Washington State's voters, King County was the largest vote-by-mail jurisdiction in the world for many years prior to more widespread adoption in 2020.” (King County Elections, About us)

“the team at KCE is committed to ensuring all King County voters can get registered, cast their ballot, and make their voices heard.” (King County Elections, About us)

“we hope this site will help you with issues regarding property values, and the tax relief programs we administer.” (King County Assessor)

“You can also find information on your property's value, details and data on our property tax system, how to appeal your property value, and information on our office.” (King County Assessor)

“Seattle Municipal Court is the largest limited jurisdiction court by case volume in Washington State with seven elected judges and five appointed magistrates .” (Seattle Municipal Court, About us)

“Seattle Municipal Court handles all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, civil infractions, and other offenses authorized under the Seattle Municipal Code and certain Revised Code of Washington Statutes.” (Seattle Municipal Court, About us)

“Gross Misdemeanors: Crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine, including offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI), domestic violence, theft, and trespass.” (Seattle Municipal Court, About us)

“District courts are county courts and serve defined territories, both incorporated and unincorporated, within the counties.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“District courts have jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases. Criminal jurisdiction includes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors cases that involve traffic or non-traffic offenses.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“Examples include: Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DUI), reckless driving, driving with a suspended driver's license and assault in the fourth degree.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“The Supreme Court is the state's highest court. Its opinions are published, become the law of the state, and set precedent for subsequent cases decided in Washington.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“All nine justices hear and dispose of cases argued on the appeal calendar.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“The Supreme Court is the final rule-making authority for all of the state's courts.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“Most cases appealed from superior courts go directly to the Court of Appeals. It is a non-discretionary appellate court--it must accept all appeals filed with it. The Court of Appeals has authority to reverse (overrule), remand (send back to the lower court), modify, or affirm the decision of the lower court.” (Washington Courts, A Guide to Washington State Courts (2011))

“Each district is served by one Senator and two House members.” (Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, About the Legislature)

“Members of the Senate are elected to four-year terms, and House members are elected to two-year terms.” (Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, About the Legislature)

“If a bill passes all of these steps, it then moves to the opposite chamber .” (Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, About the Legislature)

“In odd-numbered years-the budget year-the Legislature meets for 105 days.” (Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, About the Legislature)

“The Seattle City Council establishes City policy through enactment of ordinances (laws) and adoption of resolutions.” (Seattle City Council)

“The City Council also approves and adopts the City's budget.” (Seattle City Council)