I am committed to transparency, accuracy, and service in the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's office. With experience in records management and a background in public service, I understand the importance of maintaining reliable, accessible records that people depend on every day. My goal is to ensure professionalism, strengthen public trust, and serve every resident with care — because every record matters.
A campaign rooted in trust
Protecting the accuracy and security of the records Orange County families rely on.
Leading with transparency, established procedures, and respect for the public trust.
Showing up for residents with care, professionalism, and steady, consistent work.
Press & Media
“Everything in life is an experience you can learn from.”
Maria Holly Barraza, public servant, records professional, and Orange County resident.
Meet Maria
Maria Holly Barraza is running for Orange County Clerk-Recorder and brings real experience in public service, records management, and election operations, where accuracy, accountability, and integrity matter.
Her career began in 2007 with the WIC program under PHFE, now Heluna Health, where she supported families and engaged in community and cultural outreach throughout Orange County, California, while developing a strong foundation in handling sensitive records.
She later worked with the Orange County Registrar of Voters, gaining hands,on experience in voter outreach, signature verification, and ballot processing, critical functions that directly support the accuracy of voter records and the integrity of elections. Through this work, she learned policy and standard operating procedures from inception to completion.
She also served with the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services as a Social Services Assistant, where she worked in child safety. In that role, she collaborated directly with the courts to support reports related to child,parent visitation during critical moments that impact parental rights. This experience strengthened her ability to handle sensitive information with care and responsibility, and she was recognized for her diligence and contributions to protecting children's records and from physical harm.
She currently serves as a Records Data Specialist with the Orange County Sheriff's Department in a 24-hour unit, where she processes and maintains sensitive law enforcement records while ensuring compliance with established procedures and policies.
In addition to her professional experience, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, magna cum laude, from National University. Her coursework includes criminal law, ethics, crisis intervention, corrections, constitutional law, and international law. She is also part of Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society. She further expanded her studies in Greece in 2024 through the John F. Kennedy School of Law at National University, strengthening her understanding of governance, legal systems, and public accountability.
Since 2004, she has been recognized by the federal government for civic service through the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Why I'm Running
I'm running for Orange County Clerk-Recorder to bring steady, experienced stewardship to an office that touches nearly every family in our county. This work is not glamorous, it is essential. It is the careful work of protecting the records that document who we are, what we own, and the milestones that shape our lives. I believe that work deserves integrity, precision, and public trust.
Every birth, death, and marriage record, property document, and business filing represents a person, a family, a home, or a livelihood. These records deserve accuracy, security, and responsible stewardship.
Learn moreOrange County families deserve a Clerk-Recorder's office that treats every resident with professionalism, patience, dignity, and clear communication.
Learn moreMaria brings hands,on experience in records management, public service, and operations where accuracy, accountability, and careful procedure matter every day.
Learn moreThe office should be guided by clear procedures, qualified experts, responsible vendors, stronger internal review, and transparent accountability that protects public trust.
Learn moreExperience & Qualifications
Family Support & Community Outreach
Supported families across Orange County through the WIC program and engaged in community and cultural outreach, building a strong foundation in handling sensitive records.
Voter Outreach · Signature Verification · Ballot Processing
Hands,on experience with the operations that support accurate voter records and the integrity of elections. Learned policy and standard operating procedures from inception to completion.
Social Services Assistant, Child Safety
Collaborated directly with the courts on reports related to child,parent visitation during critical moments affecting parental rights. Recognized for diligence and for protecting children's records and well,being.
Records Data Specialist, 24,Hour Unit
Processes and maintains sensitive law enforcement records while ensuring full compliance with established procedures and policies.
B.S. Criminal Justice Administration · Magna Cum Laude
Coursework in criminal law, ethics, crisis intervention, corrections, constitutional law, and international law. Member of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society). Studied in Greece in 2024 through the John F. Kennedy School of Law at National University.
Federal Recognition for Civic Service
Recognized by the federal government for ongoing civic service and community contribution.
“I will lead with integrity, precision, and transparency, because behind every record is a person, a family, and a future.”
Because no one is a nobody.
Every record matters. Every voice deserves to be heard.
FAQ
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