Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Elaina Cano
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Gaea Powell
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Vanessa Rozo
    (NON)

Biographical Information

If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?

What background, experience and/or education qualify you for this elected office? (You may use your candidate statement here if desired.)

Ballot Designation Incumbent
Candidate's Political Party No Party Preference
Campaign Email teamelainacano@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://teamelainacano.com
Campaign Instagram URL http://instagram.com/teamelainacano
Campaign Facebook URL http://facebook.com/teamelainacano
If elected, my top three priorities are:

Continue Improving Service

I will build on the progress we’ve already made to ensure county services are efficient, accessible, and responsive to the public. Whether residents are requesting vital records, recording property documents, or seeking election information, my focus will remain on excellent customer service, strong staff support, and modern, user-friendly systems that make it easier for the public to do business with our office.

Protect Public Records and Election Integrity

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of our elections and the accuracy of millions of public records — from birth, death, and marriage certificates to property documents and voter registration information. I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, security, and legal compliance to ensure the public can trust the work performed by this office.

Build Trust Through Facts, Fairness, and Respect

Public confidence in elections and public records is essential, especially in an era when misinformation can undermine trust in government. I will continue working to build public trust by providing clear, accurate, and timely information to combat misinformation and ensure residents have access to the facts. Above all, I will continue to serve every member of our community with fairness, professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
I bring deep and direct experience to this role, grounded in decades of public service:

Experienced Election Administrator and Public Records Official

I currently serve as the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, overseeing elections, vital records, and the accurate maintenance of official public documents. This is a highly technical and legally driven office that requires experience, sound judgment, and attention to detail from day one.

Over 30 Years of Public Service and Proven Election Experience

I bring more than 30 years of public service, including over 20 years of direct experience in elections and Clerk-Recorder operations. In addition, I have assisted with or been responsible for the administration of 24 elections. This depth of hands-on experience is critical to ensuring elections are conducted securely, accurately, and transparently.

Proven Track Record in Leadership and Modernization

During my tenure, I have overseen multiple successful elections, led modernization efforts within the office, expanded access to services such as Express Marriage ceremonies, and brought county services directly into our communities — all while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust.

Broad Professional Background in Elections and Clerk-Recorder Services

Prior to serving in my current role, I served as an elections division manager for Santa Barbara County and as City Clerk for the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. These roles gave me a well-rounded understanding of election law, local government operations, and the responsibility that comes with protecting the public’s trust.
Ballot Designation Business Operations Consultant
Candidate's Political Party American
Campaign Email gaea.powell@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://GAEA4CLERK.COM
1. Restore Election Legitimacy The Clerk-Recorder’s most important responsibility is the lawful and transparent administration of elections. Public confidence has been damaged by ambiguous, nonsensical laws and inconsistent practices. I will immediately conduct a comprehensive review of all procedures and internal controls to strengthen integrity.

While following current state law, I will advocate for common-sense reforms including voter identification, proof of citizenship, clean voter rolls, paper ballots, in-person voting (absentee ballots only with proven necessity), and transparent ballot handling with full chain-of-custody. I will honor my oath to the U.S. and California Constitutions and publicly scrutinize any directive that undermines election security and threatens our Constitutional Republic.

2. Advance Public Engagement and Civic Education Citizens must understand and trust the election and records processes that shape our government. I will promote civic education initiatives so residents better understand their rights, the election process, and the critical role of voter participation. Voters exercising this right ensure we are represented by those who honor our Constitutional Republic, abolish unconstitutional laws, and reject government overreach that violates citizens’ rights, economic stability, property owners’ rights, and individual liberties.

3. Strengthen Accountability and Professional Team Leadership I will administer the office in full compliance with California law while building a culture of strong institutional accountability and professional team leadership. With over thirty years as a proven business consultant restoring accountability in complex organizations, I will implement measurable performance standards and disciplined management practices.

Potential election violations will be promptly referred to the state election officials, or the Sheriff, and not handled internally to protect citizens' rights and due process.
I am a seasoned, successful, and trusted professional business consultant with over thirty years of experience strengthening organizational systems, improving operational performance, and restoring accountability in complex institutions. I have partnered with both public and private sector organizations to implement transparent procedures, robust internal controls, and disciplined management practices that drive efficiency, reduce risk, and build high-performing teams.

These qualifications directly align with the core duties of the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder: the lawful and transparent administration of elections and the stewardship of accurate, secure, and accessible public records.

My proven expertise in process improvement, systems management, and institutional accountability equips me to conduct thorough reviews of office procedures, establish measurable performance standards, and ensure the office operates with maximum integrity and efficiency.

I am a constitutional candidate dedicated to administering elections in full compliance with California law while fearlessly advocating for reforms that strengthen election legitimacy, public trust, and civic responsibility — including voter identification, proof of citizenship, clean voter rolls, and transparent processes. I believe public officials must uphold the constitutional rule of law and protect the informed participation of every citizen.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in constitutional governance, measurable performance, and principled public service. With decades of hands-on experience re-engineering organizations and restoring public confidence in critical systems, I will bring disciplined, results-oriented leadership to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. I am prepared to serve the people of San Luis Obispo County with professionalism, independence, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution.
Ballot Designation Businesswoman/Paralegal/Teacher
Candidate's Political Party NPP
Establish Vote Centers Establish Electronic Pole Books Reestablish absentee ballots
My diverse background has equipped me with a

robust skillset perfectly aligned with the responsibilities

of the Clerk-Recorder's office:

Legal Knowledge: Paralegal Certificate (UCSB, 2024) with a strong focus in Election Law, Business Law, Probate, and Corporate Law.

Research & Compliance: Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, E-Discovery, and Legal Analytics — ensuring meticulous attention to legal and procedural accuracy.

Technology & Finance: Skilled in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, payroll, and comprehensive financial reporting.

Leadership: National and International Disaster Relief Coordinator- FEMA and Samaritan's Purse. Experienced in supervising staff, managing budgets, and coordinating large-scale, complex projects. International Exchange Student Site Director, Program Leader & ESL Teacher.

Community Engagement: Proven ability to build trust and lead service efforts at local and international levels, fostering positive community relationships.