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Maria Holly Barraza, OC clerk-recorder candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

May 6, 2026

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Maria Holly Barraza

Current job title: Records Data Specialist

Age: 43

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: N/A

City where you reside: Santa Ana

Campaign website or social media: In process

What do you think is the most important role of the clerk-recorder, and how should that service to the county be delivered? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The most important role of the clerk-recorder is to maintain accurate, secure, and accessible public records that people and institutions rely on every day.

This includes vital records such as births and deaths, which support accurate voter registration. By ensuring these records are properly maintained, the office helps keep voter rolls current, so they reflect individuals who are alive and eligible to participate in elections, strengthening public trust.

The clerk-recorder also safeguards property records, marriage licenses, and other essential documents that impact residents at life’s most important moments. This work must be carried out with precision, accountability, and transparency.

Service to the county should be efficient, modern, and people-centered through improved digital access, reduced processing times, and strong in-person support.

While the office does not determine citizenship, it plays a vital role in protecting access to rights. Accurate records ensure residents can prove identity, access services, and fully participate in civic life.

I understand that behind every record is a person, a family, and a future, and that’s how I will lead.

Which new initiatives or programs do you hope to create to better serve those needing the services of the clerk-recorder’s office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would focus on continuing to modernize services, expanding access, and strengthening public trust.

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office already provides essential and reliable services, and my goal is to build on that foundation by enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

I would support the continued development of secure, user-friendly digital tools that allow residents to request records, track applications, and access services more conveniently.

I would also expand community access through mobile service units and extended service hours, ensuring services reach seniors, working families, and underserved communities.

Additionally, I would strengthen language access and public education by providing multilingual resources and clear guidance so residents can easily navigate available services.

Maintaining strong coordination with partner agencies will help ensure vital records remain accurate and up to date, continuing to support appropriate checks and balances that contribute to accurate voter registration records.

Finally, I would continue prioritizing data security and fraud prevention to protect sensitive information.

These efforts build on the office’s existing strengths while making services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our community.

Looking at the county’s yearly budget, what would you like to change about the way the funds for the clerk-recorder’s office are allocated? Which project or need, if any, has not received the funding you think it should be getting? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would focus on ensuring resources are allocated in a way that strengthens service delivery, accessibility, and long-term efficiency.

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office already manages essential services effectively, and my goal is to build on that through continued investment in areas that enhance both public access and operational performance.

A key priority is the continued modernization of digital infrastructure. Investing in secure, user-friendly systems helps reduce processing times, improve transparency, and expand convenient access to services.

I would also support the continuance and expansion of community access initiatives, including mobile service units, extended service hours, multilingual support, and passport application services as a local acceptance facility helping residents access both county and federal services.

My goal is to ensure continued access and public awareness of services for all residents, while following and strengthening established standard operating procedures.

Additionally, the continued prioritization of data security, fraud prevention, and strong internal checks and balances is essential to protect sensitive records and maintain public trust.

With my experience in records management and safekeeping, the community can feel confident in my ability to uphold the integrity of this office.

How do your background and experiences make you the most qualified candidate for this office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

My background in public service, records management, and policy uniquely qualifies me to serve as clerk-recorder.

I have worked in records-focused roles across multiple public agencies, where accuracy, confidentiality, accountability, and adherence to policy are essential. My service began in 2007 with the WIC program under Heluna Health, supporting families and building a foundation in sensitive recordkeeping.

I later worked with the Orange County Registrar of Voters, gaining hands-on experience in election operations from inception through completion, including voter outreach, signature verification, and ballot processing.

Currently, I serve as a records data specialist with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where I process and maintain sensitive law enforcement records and ensure compliance with established procedures and policies.

In addition to my duties, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from National University (2025), with coursework in criminal law, ethics, crisis intervention, and international law, including study in Greece (2024), strengthening my understanding of governance and records systems.

I have also been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (2004).

My experience equips me to lead with integrity, precision, and a clear understanding that behind every record is a person, a family, and a future. I have deep respect for the responsibility this office holds.

As the clerk-recorder, how will you meet the diverse needs of Orange County residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Meeting the diverse needs of Orange County residents means ensuring that every person, regardless of language, background, or circumstance, can access services with dignity and ease.

As the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, I understand the importance of access, opportunity, and being seen by the systems meant to serve us. I have worked directly with diverse communities and know that access is not one-size-fits-all.

I will support expanded multilingual services, culturally competent outreach, and clear public education so residents understand how to obtain the records they need. I will continue to modernize digital services while maintaining strong in-person support.

I also support mobile service units and extended service hours to reach working families, seniors, and underserved communities.

For me, this role is about more than records, it’s about people. Every document represents a life, a milestone, or a need.

Because no one is a nobody, every resident deserves to be seen, recognized, and served with dignity.

Orange County Register

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Maria Holly Barraza, OC clerk-recorder candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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