We asked each candidate to answer a few questions so that you can know a little more about their priorities. Click on each question to reach the candidate’s answer. See responses from other candidates: Gaea Powell and Vanessa Rozo.
Candidate Statement
Elaina Cano is a trusted elections and public records professional with nearly 30 years of experience serving California communities. A Central Coast resident since 1992, Elaina has built her career in local government with a strong commitment to transparency, accuracy, and responsive public service. She has served as City Clerk for both the City of San Luis Obispo and the City of Pismo Beach, and later served as the Elections Division Manager for Santa Barbara County. Now serving as the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder, Elaina oversees elections, recording services, and vital records while working to improve customer service, modernize operations, and protect the integrity of our democratic process. Elaina lives in Arroyo Grande with her husband and is proud of her three sons and two granddaughters.
Why do you want to be the SLO County Clerk-Recorder?
I’m running to continue serving as County Clerk-Recorder because I truly care about this community and the work we do every day. Over the past four years as the elected County Clerk-Recorder, I’ve focused on strengthening our office—making services more accessible, improving security, and building trust with the public. I’ve worked to ensure that our elections are fair and secure, and that our records are protected and easy to access when people need them most. This role is about more than processes; it’s about people and the confidence they have in their local government. I take pride in serving with integrity, being transparent, and showing up every day ready to do the work. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I’d be honored to continue building on that foundation and serving the residents of San Luis Obispo County.
What is the most important thing that a Clerk-Recorder does?
At the heart of this role is serving the public with care, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. The Clerk-Recorder safeguards important public records, ensures they are accurate and accessible, and administers elections that are fair, secure, and transparent. These responsibilities touch people’s lives in very real ways, from major life events to participating in our democracy. Just as important as what we do is how we do it. I want everyone who interacts with our office to feel welcomed, respected, and supported by a team that is knowledgeable and genuinely cares. Providing clear information, dependable service, and a positive experience helps build trust and confidence in our office. Creating that kind of environment—for both the public and our staff—is something I value deeply and work toward every day.
If elected, what would you hope to accomplish in your first year in office?
In my first year, I will continue building on the strong foundation we’ve established over the past four years. My focus will be on strengthening internal processes, investing in staff training so our team can confidently serve as subject matter experts, and evaluating our systems to ensure they remain secure, efficient, and up to date. I will also continue prioritizing the preservation of our County’s historical records and maps, which are an important part of our shared history. In addition, I want to expand outreach efforts to better educate the public about our services and ensure we reach underserved communities so that everyone feels informed, included, and empowered to engage with our office.
What do you wish more people understood about the role of Clerk-Recorder in SLO County?
I wish more people understood that the Clerk-Recorder’s role is grounded in law and guided by fairness, neutrality, and public trust. We are not policymakers—we are responsible for carrying out the law consistently and equitably for everyone, regardless of political affiliation, background, or beliefs. Our office is truly nonpolitical and nonpartisan, and I take that responsibility very seriously. We have important work to do on behalf of every member of our community, and that work must be done with integrity and without bias. Every decision we make is rooted in legal requirements and a commitment to transparency, consistency, and accountability. My role is to ensure that every person is treated with respect and that our office serves the entire community fairly, professionally, and with a genuine dedication to public service.
How would you gather the input of the business community in the work of your department?
I view the business community as an important partner in the work we do, and building those relationships starts with open and ongoing communication—being available, listening, and making sure businesses understand how our office can support them. This includes providing clarity around processes like document recording and helping connect them with the appropriate resources when needed. I also believe businesses play an important role in supporting civic engagement, such as encouraging employees to serve as poll workers. By working collaboratively, we can strengthen both our local economy and our civic participation, while ensuring businesses feel supported and connected to our office.
What is the most significant difference between you and your opponents
The difference is clear: experience and a proven record of leadership. I bring over 30 years of public service and nine years of hands-on experience leading this office through real challenges. I’m not learning on the job—I’ve already been doing the work, making decisions, and delivering results for our community. I understand the laws that govern this office and the responsibility that comes with getting it right every time. I’ve built a strong team, improved our processes, and worked hard to earn the public’s trust. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I remain focused on continuing to serve the people of San Luis Obispo County with integrity, accountability, and dedication.