News & Updates

CAPITOLA, CA — While spending part of the summer working in Las Vegas, Joe Clarke, Capitola City Councilmember and candidate for re-election, had the opportunity to meet with representatives at the NBA Summer League who are helping promote Vet the Vote, a nonpartisan national initiative encouraging veterans and military families to become more involved in America's elections.

"As a veteran, I was proud to learn more about this important program. Our democracy depends on civic participation, and veterans have a long history of serving our country. Vet the Vote gives us another opportunity to continue that service by helping strengthen the election process."

Vet the Vote is a nationwide campaign that registers veterans and military family members to vote while also recruiting them to serve as poll workers in their local communities. The initiative is supported by a coalition of more than 40 veteran, military, and family organizations, along with corporate partners including Microsoft, the National Football League (NFL), and NASCAR.

From 2022 through 2024, Vet the Vote recruited more than 163,000 veterans and military family members to serve as poll workers, placing volunteers in four out of every five ZIP codes across the United States.

"I encourage everyone to learn more about this outstanding program. Whether you're a veteran, a military family member, or simply someone who believes in strong civic engagement, there are many ways to get involved."

Visitors to ElectJoeClarke.com can scan the QR code to learn more about Vet the Vote and discover opportunities to participate in this national effort to support free, fair, and accessible elections.

Capitola, CA — Joe Clarke, current member of the Capitola City Council and former Mayor, today announced he will seek a second term representing the City of Capitola.

Clarke was first elected to the City Council in 2022, bringing decades of public service experience from his career with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, where he served as a K-9 deputy, search-and-rescue unit manager, SWAT team member, and hostage negotiator. He went on to serve as Vice Mayor in 2025 before being appointed Mayor later that year, leading the council through key decisions on housing, infrastructure, and community development.

"I'm running again because the job isn't done yet. We've made real progress over the last term, but there's more work ahead — on responsible development, public safety, and keeping Capitola the kind of place people are proud to call home. I believe the experience I've gained on the council, and throughout my career in public service, puts me in a strong position to help guide the decisions that will best serve this community going forward."

During his time on the council, Clarke has been involved in discussions on the Coastal Rail Trail, the Capitola Mall redevelopment, and the city's response to state housing mandates, among other priorities. He has emphasized a steady, community-first approach to balancing growth with the preservation of Capitola's character as a small seaside town.

Clarke remains active in the community he serves, including ongoing support for local organizations such as the Capitola Public Safety Foundation, the Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League, Operation Surf, and the Sheriff's Activity League. Some key accomplishments in his first four years of service include rebuilding the Capitola Wharf, reopening the Rispin Mansion Park, and the upcoming opening of Treasure Cove, the universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park.

Clarke's campaign will focus on continued collaboration with fellow council members, residents, and local stakeholders to address the city's ongoing priorities.