FAQs
1. Who may register to vote?
You may register to vote if you meet all of the following requirements:
Citizen of the United States
Resident of California
At least 18 years of age on or before Election Day
Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
Not prohibited from voting by a court because of mental incompetency
16 and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote if they meet all of the following requirements:
Citizen of the United States
Resident of California
Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
Not prohibited from voting by a court because of mental incompetency
Once your registration form is received and processed, the San Mateo County Registrar of Voters will send you a Voter Notification Card within three to four weeks indicating that you are now a registered voter. You can also check your eligibility online. If you are unsure about your voting status, please call the San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division at 650.312.5222.
2. Where can I register to vote?
You may register online, or by completing a Voter Registration Form.
To register online, visit: http://registertovote.ca.gov/
To register by completing a Voter Registration Form, you may obtain a form at public libraries, city and county offices, California Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and at U.S. Post Offices, or via on-line download. You may also call the San Mateo County Election office at (650) 312-5222 to mail a form to you within one business day. For information about registering to vote, visit: https://www.smcacre.org/register-vote
3. When is the deadline to register to vote?
You may register at any time, but to be eligible to vote in an upcoming election, your Voter Registration Form must be received no later than 15 days before that election.
However, if you have not registered by the deadline, you can still vote under Conditional Voter Registration (CVR).
For registration information, please visit: https://www.smcacre.org/voter-registration
4. What are my voting options?
All San Mateo County voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot. San Mateo County voters now have two easy options to vote: Vote by Mail and Vote Centers. Both options are available 29 days before Election Day, providing a convenient range of voting days to meet anyone’s schedule.
For information about voting options, please visit: https://www.smcacre.org/voting-options
5. When is the deadline to return my vote-by-mail ballot?
For information about voting by mail, please visit: https://www.smcacre.org/post/vote-mail-ballots
6. When will I receive my County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet and State Voter Information Guide for the upcoming election?
The San Mateo County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet and California State Voter Information Guide are mailed 29 days before an election.
7. What are the scheduled elections this year, and what are the contests on the ballot?
For information about upcoming elections in Foster City, visit: https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/page/elections
For more information about contests on the ballot, please visit: https://www.smcacre.org/current-past-elections
8. Are there local Foster City contests that will appear on the ballot? What are the filing periods for candidates and measures for the election(s) this year?
For information about local elections or running for City Council, please contact: clerk@fostercity.org
9. Where can I get the election results?
The counting of ballots will commence when all polls are closed within the County of San Mateo. It is anticipated that the first report of preliminary results will be released after the close of the polls on Election Night.
The San Mateo County Registrar of Voters will release final election results no later than the end of the canvass period as required by the state election law.
Preliminary and final results will be posted on the San Mateo County website: https://www.smcacre.org/elections
Are permits required?
The permits required will depend upon the specific event activities. At a minimum, most events require at least one park use permit. Examples of other Foster City permits frequently include fire permits, business licenses, encroachment permits. Under certain conditions, permits from other agencies such as San Mateo County Health, Alcohol Beverage Control, etc. will be required if cooking food or selling alcoholic beverages is being requested. Departmental representatives from IDEC will provide additional guidance.
Can I block off the areas around the amphitheater during my reservation period?
No, the amphitheater is a public area.
Can I bring a bbq grill?
Yes, you may bring a bbq grill to the park. Propane grills are strongly encouraged and recommended. If you must use coals, please take them out of the park with you. Coals cannot be dumped into the trash cans. Leo J. Ryan hilltop and Boothbay Park have designated coal receptacles.
Can I get an estimate of what my event fees will be prior to submitting my application?
We encourage all applicants to use the online fee calculator to get an estimate on applicable Special Event fees. Please note that the base fee for a special event is $1,061.84. Once your completed application is reviewed by City Staff, you will receive your official quote for your event’s fees.
Can I have a bounce house?
Bounce houses are allowed at specific parks. Review our Bounce House policy on page 2 of our Park Rules Agreement.
Can I have a podium/microphone?
Yes, but you would need to bring your own. We do not provide this for amphitheater rentals.
Can I have amplified sound?
In certain cases, lower volume amplified sound, such as speeches, background-type music, may be allowed for short time periods. Please contact us to discuss:
Facility Reservations Coordinator: Bob Koehler, 650-286-3382 / bkoehler@fostercity.org
General Recreation email: recreation@fostercity.org
Can I have food catered in?
Yes, however, no catering trucks are allowed to be driven into the park. The catering park must be parked either on the street or in the parking lot.
Can I have food trucks?
Food trucks are allowed at reservable parks only for event or party attendees, with no fees charged or food sold. Only one food truck is allowed per picnic reservation.
Can I have food?
Yes, food is allowed at the amphitheater.
Can I rent bocce balls?
You can rent equipment through the Parks and Recreation Department at the front desk of the William Walker Recreation Center from 9:00am-9:00pm. You must leave a Driver's License at the front desk to rent out the equipment.
Can I rent pickleball equipment?
If you're not ready to purchase pickleball equipment just yet, you can rent equipment through the Parks and Recreation Department at the front desk of the William Walker Recreation Center from 9:00am-9:00pm. For $10, you will receive two paddles, two outdoor pickleballs, and a copy of the rules and how to play the sport. You must leave a Driver's License at the front desk to rent out the equipment. There will a charge for any damaged or missing equipment.
When you're ready to buy equipment, visit www.pickleballcentral.com and use the discount promo code CRFosterCity.
Can I rent the amphitheater for a band performance or practice?
While we do allow the rental of the amphitheater, to rent the space for a performance (with amplified sound), you would need to go through the City's special event permit process.
Can I serve alcohol?
Alcohol may be served at reservable parks only. You must purchase an insurance certificate and reserve the park.
Can I use the Recreation Center tables/chairs?
No, the Recreation Center does not provide furniture or equipment for amphitheater rentals.
Can you rent the bocce ball courts?
Yes! Please contact the Recreation Center at 650-286-3380 for reservation inquiries.
