Avoid costly mistakes — get step-by-step guidance through FPPC requirements
Step-by-step guidance to complete FPPC forms correctly
Know exactly what forms to file and when they are due
Complete forms on your schedule and resume anytime
This guided process will help you:
The first round of voting for candidates seeking California state office has already passed.
The first round of voting for candidates seeking California state office took place in June 2026. The content below is provided for reference and educational purposes only and should not be used as the basis for decisions about future elections.
Filing requirements vary by city and county
City-specific filing details available for a growing set of California cities. Other jurisdictions show basic contact information.
Running for water board, a fire district, or another local office we don't have listed? Tell us its name and leave your email — we'll prioritize researching it.
Candidate Intention Statement — Must file before accepting any contributions
Statement of Economic Interest — All candidates must file
File with Elections Official (deadlines vary by jurisdiction)
Optional statement in the Voter Information Guide — word limit and cost vary by jurisdiction (see Step 4)
Open one campaign bank account at a California financial institution
Appoint someone responsible for financial recordkeeping (must be 18+)
Statement of Organization — File within 10 days of reaching $2,000 threshold
Open one campaign bank account at a California financial institution
Appoint someone responsible for financial recordkeeping (must be 18+)
Statement of Organization — File within 10 days of reaching $2,000 threshold
Use the Ongoing Compliance tool to track your ongoing filing requirements.
Track filing deadlines for Form 460s, 24-hour reports, and annual fees.
Go to Compliance ToolCreate compliant disclaimers for your campaign materials using MakeMyDisclaimer.com, a Campaign Comply product.
Access MakeMyDisclaimerSelect your jurisdiction above to see your local filing office and requirements.
Must be filed no later than the final filing date for your declaration of candidacy or nomination documents. March 6, 2026 (extended to March 11, 2026 if incumbent does not file).
FPPC Electronic Filing System
Need login credentials (login & password) or have e-filing issues? Contact: form700@fppc.ca.gov
Note: If you selected a jurisdiction above, your specific filing requirements may differ from these general guidelines.
Must file no later than the final filing date for your declaration of candidacy or nomination documents.
Check with your local elections official for specific deadlines for your office and jurisdiction.
For context, general law cities holding their election on the November 3, 2026 statewide general election have a nomination period of July 13 – August 7, 2026 (extended to August 12, 2026 for offices where an eligible incumbent does not file), per Elections Code §§ 10220 & 10225. Your city's actual dates may differ — charter cities can set their own schedule, and some jurisdictions hold elections on a different date.
Most common local offices (Mayor, City Council, Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Judge, and similar — see full list below) file electronically with the FPPC:
Running for County Sheriff, City Clerk, a Water Board, School District, or another office not listed above? See Does this apply to me / where do I file? below — you may file with your local jurisdiction instead.
All candidates for these state offices:
Candidates for these positions file electronically with FPPC:
Category 2: if running for a local office NOT listed above, you must:
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to sign with:
Click on your office type below to see filing instructions:
Examples: County Sheriffs, County Clerks
File with: Your County Elections Official
Examples: Various city positions not listed above
File with: Your City Clerk
Examples: Water Board candidates
File with:
All Form 700 statements must be verified by the candidate and are signed under penalty of perjury.
Report items held on the date of filing your declaration of candidacy:
Report income received during the 12 months prior to filing:
You must also report interests held by your spouse or registered domestic partner.
Important: The Form 700 is a PUBLIC DOCUMENT.
Amendments:
If you discover errors or omissions on any statement, file an amendment as soon as possible. You are only required to amend the schedule that needs to be revised; it is not necessary to refile the entire form.
Late Filing Penalties:
Submit late statements as soon as possible. Submit in the same manner and place as a timely filed statement. Late filing penalties may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances.
Los Angeles Unified School District candidates:
Party Central Committee candidates:
60-Day Exception:
If unsure:
Select your jurisdiction above to see filing fees, signature requirements, and where to file.
STEP 0 (Before February 9, 2026 / E-113)
Decide Fee vs In-Lieu Path
STEP 1 (February 9, 2026 / E-113)
Obtain Forms
Visit your county elections official to get nomination forms. Forms are free. (§8101)
Important: Choose One Path
You must either pay the filing fee (Step 2) OR collect signatures in-lieu of the fee (Step 3). You cannot do both. Check only the step that applies to your chosen path.
STEP 2 (February 9, 2026 / E-113)
Pay Filing Fee (Path A)
File fee must be paid when obtaining forms. Choose this step if you are paying the filing fee instead of collecting in-lieu signatures. (§8105)
STEP 3 (December 19, 2025 – February 4, 2026 / E-165 – E-118)
Collect Signatures In-Lieu of Fee (Path B)
Choose this step if you are collecting in-lieu signatures instead of paying the filing fee. Collect required in-lieu signatures and file by February 4, 2026 (E-118). These signatures also count toward your nomination signature requirement.
STEP 4 (February 9, 2026 / E-113)
Execute Declaration of Candidacy
Must be signed in the elections official's office (or designate someone to deliver it to you). (EC §8028, §8040)
The Declaration of Candidacy (EC §8040) includes:
Eligibility Requirements (EC §20, §201)
You must be a registered voter eligible to vote for the office (EC §201). You are not eligible if convicted of a felony involving bribery, embezzlement of public money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of these crimes, including convictions in any state, federal court, or foreign country for equivalent crimes, unless you have received a pardon (EC §20).
1. Basic Information You Must Provide to Elections Official
Character-Based Names (EC §13211.7 - Translated Ballot Jurisdictions)
In jurisdictions that translate ballot materials:
If you do not have a character-based name, the jurisdiction will provide a phonetic transliteration.
Note: Judicial candidates or those with confidential voter registration (EC §2166-2166.9) may withhold residence address with elections official verification (EC §8040(b)).
2. Political Party Preference (EC §8002.5 - Required for Voter-Nominated Offices* per EC §359.5)
*Voter-Nominated Offices: (1) Governor (2) Lieutenant Governor (3) Secretary of State (4) Controller (5) Treasurer (6) Attorney General (7) Insurance Commissioner (8) Member of State Board of Equalization (9) State Senator (10) Member of the Assembly
Note: Your 10-year party preference history will be published on the Secretary of State's website.
3. Oath of Office (EC §200, Cal. Const. Art. XX, §3)
Note: If outside California during nomination period, you may use an out-of-state notary if compliant with that state's laws (EC §8040(c)).
Warning (EC §18202): Deliberately failing to file a declaration of candidacy in your possession is a misdemeanor.
STEP 4a (February 9, 2026 / E-113 - Same deadline as Step 4)
Complete Ballot Designation Worksheet
Your ballot designation (1-3 words under your name on the ballot) is OPTIONAL. If you choose to use a designation, you must file a Ballot Designation Worksheet that supports/justifies your use of that designation, in the format prescribed by the Secretary of State. The worksheet must be filed at the same time as your Declaration of Candidacy. If the worksheet is not filed, no designation will appear on the ballot. Ballot Designation Worksheets are public documents. (EC §13107.3)
STEP 4b (At Filing)
Review Code of Fair Campaign Practices (Voluntary)
When you file your nomination papers, the elections official will give you a blank copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. Signing is completely voluntary (EC §20440).
"There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play which every candidate for public office has a moral obligation to observe and uphold..."
Note: Signed codes are public records (EC §20443) and retained for 30 days after the election (EC §20442).
STEP 5 (February 9 – March 6, 2026 / E-113 – E-88)
Collect Nomination Signatures
Gather required number of valid signatures from eligible voters during the nomination period. Circulators must meet §102 requirements.
STEP 6 (March 6, 2026 by 5 PM / E-88)
File Complete Packet
Submit ALL documents to county elections official. Get dated receipt. (§8020)
Click a path below to see detailed requirements and fee/signature information
Option: Collect signatures INSTEAD of paying filing fees
| Office | Required Signatures |
|---|---|
| California State Assembly | 857 |
| State Senate | 1,714 |
| Statewide Constitutional Office | 6,000 |
| Board of Equalization | 4,743 |
Note: These signature requirements are reduced proportionally for the 2026 election under §8162(b). All signatures must be from registered voters in the candidate's district.
All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE
Fees cannot be recovered if you withdraw from the race or are not elected.
Fees must be paid when obtaining nomination forms.
| Office | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| State Constitutional Offices (2% of first-year salary) | |
| Governor | $4,918.58 |
| Attorney General | $4,272.34 |
| Superintendent of Public Instruction | $4,272.34 |
| Insurance Commissioner | $3,934.86 |
| Controller | $3,934.86 |
| Treasurer | $3,934.86 |
| Lieutenant Governor | $3,688.94 |
| Secretary of State | $3,688.94 |
| Board of Equalization (1% of first-year salary) | |
| Board of Equalization | $1,844.47 |
| State Legislature (1% of first-year salary) | |
| State Senate | $1,346.94 |
| State Assembly | $1,346.94 |
You will obtain your nomination forms from your County Elections Official on February 9, 2026 (E-113). Use the tool below to find your county's contact information.
What to bring when obtaining forms on February 9, 2026 (E-113):
" Filing fee payment (if not doing in-lieu) OR completed in-lieu petition (if filed)
" Photo ID
" Your voter registration information
You must file ALL of the following:
| Event | Dates | E-Day |
|---|---|---|
|
Voter-Nominated Office
Voter-nominated offices: (1) Governor (2) Lieutenant Governor (3) Secretary of State (4) Controller (5) Treasurer (6) Attorney General (7) Insurance Commissioner (8) Member of the State Board of Equalization (9) State Senator (10) Member of the Assembly : Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period |
December 19, 2025 – February 4, 2026 | E-165 – E-118 |
|
Voter-Nominated Office
Voter-nominated offices: (1) Governor (2) Lieutenant Governor (3) Secretary of State (4) Controller (5) Treasurer (6) Attorney General (7) Insurance Commissioner (8) Member of the State Board of Equalization (9) State Senator (10) Member of the Assembly : Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Paper Period |
February 9 – March 6, 2026 | E-113 – E-88 |
|
Voter-Nominated Office
Voter-nominated offices: (1) Governor (2) Lieutenant Governor (3) Secretary of State (4) Controller (5) Treasurer (6) Attorney General (7) Insurance Commissioner (8) Member of the State Board of Equalization (9) State Senator (10) Member of the Assembly : Candidate Statement Period for County Voter Information Guides (State Senate and State Assembly) |
February 9 – March 6, 2026 | E-113 – E-88 |
| Voter Information Guide: Statewide Constitutional Office Candidate Statement Deadline | February 11, 2026 | E-111 |
| Governor candidates: Tax Returns Deadline | March 6, 2026 | E-88 |
|
Voter-Nominated Office
Voter-nominated offices: (1) Governor (2) Lieutenant Governor (3) Secretary of State (4) Controller (5) Treasurer (6) Attorney General (7) Insurance Commissioner (8) Member of the State Board of Equalization (9) State Senator (10) Member of the Assembly : Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Paper Extension Period if Incumbent Does Not File |
March 7 – March 11, 2026 | E-87 – E-83 |
| Certified List of Candidates for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election posted | March 26, 2026 | E-68 |
You must file ALL of the following:
Each state office (Governor, Attorney General, Lt. Governor, Assembly, etc.) has specific qualification requirements, unique documents, and critical deadlines.
View Detailed Requirements by Office →Example: Governor must file 5 years of tax returns • Attorney General requires 5+ years CA Supreme Court bar admission • Insurance Commissioner has industry restrictions
Number of registered voters required to sign your nomination papers:
| Office Type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| State office | 65 | 100 |
| State Senate/Assembly, Board of Equalization | 40 | 60 |
Signers must be registered voters in your district. For partisan offices, signers must have disclosed preference for your party (§8068)
For voter-nominated offices: any registered voter can sign
Voters cannot sign more papers than offices to fill (§8069)
Cannot file for more than one office at same primary (§8003)
| IN-LIEU SIGNATURES | NOMINATION SIGNATURES |
|---|---|
| Purpose: Replace filing fee | Purpose: Get on the ballot |
| Amount: 857 - 6,000 (based on office) | Amount: 40 - 100 (based on office) |
| Period: December 19, 2025 – February 4, 2026 (E-165 – E-118 / 47 days) | Period: February 9 – March 6, 2026 (E-113 – E-88 / 25 days) |
| Required? OPTIONAL (alternative to paying fee) | Required? YES (always required) |
| Due: February 4, 2026 (E-118 / 30 days before filing deadline) | Due: March 6, 2026 (E-88 / filing deadline) |
Good News!
In-lieu signatures COUNT toward your nomination requirement! (§8061)
Example: If you collect 6,000 in-lieu signatures for a Statewide office, those same 6,000 signatures also satisfy your 65 nomination signature requirement. You don't need to collect separate signatures!
Step 1: Obtain Forms
Pick up nomination forms from your county elections official in the county where you reside and are registered to vote (§8064)
Step 2: File Documents
All state candidates initially file with their local county elections office for convenience (§8100). The county elections official transmits them to the Secretary of State within 5 days (§8070).
For voter-nominated offices (most state and federal offices), you must indicate on your declaration of candidacy:
Important:
You may withdraw your nomination documents if:
Filing fees are NON-REFUNDABLE even if you withdraw
Important: This withdrawal procedure does NOT apply to candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Controller, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, or Treasurer (§8020.5)
If an incumbent does NOT file by March 6, 2026 (E-88):
Enter your election date to see all critical deadlines.
Check with your county elections office to confirm your election date.
is a Charter City
Charter jurisdictions have constitutional authority to set their own candidate filing deadlines. The dates above follow state Elections Code but may not apply to your jurisdiction. Contact your elections office to confirm actual filing periods.
Important: These deadlines follow California Elections Code and apply to general law jurisdictions. Charter cities and counties have constitutional authority to set different candidate filing periods. Always verify with your elections office.
Search for your city or county to see specific filing requirements, locations, and contact information.
Filing requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Search for your city or county above to see detailed requirements, fees, and contact information.
Use the deadline calculator above to see your specific dates based on your election date.
You must file ALL of the following:
Number of registered voters required to sign your nomination papers:
| District Type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Single county or political subdivision | 20 | 40 |
| District with fewer than 150 voters | 10 | 20 |
| Party committee (if party has <50 voters) | 1/10 of party voters | |
Signers must be registered voters in your district. For partisan offices, signers must have disclosed preference for your party (§8068)
For voter-nominated offices: any registered voter can sign
Voters cannot sign more papers than offices to fill (§8069)
Cannot file for more than one office at same primary (§8003)
Option: Collect signatures INSTEAD of paying filing fees
Important: This calculator uses the state formula from Elections Code §8106 (3 signatures per dollar). Some cities have different formulas - for example, Anaheim uses 4 signatures per dollar (Municipal Code 1.12.090). Verify with your city clerk for your specific requirements and filing fees.
All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE
Fees cannot be recovered if you withdraw from the race or are not elected.
Fees must be paid when obtaining nomination forms.
| Office Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| County or judicial office (salary >$2,500/year) | 1% of annual salary |
| Office with salary ≤$2,500/year | No fee required |
| Office with no fixed compensation | No fee required |
Fee calculated based on salary as of first day to circulate in-lieu petitions
All local candidates file with:
County Elections Official
File in the county where you reside and are registered to vote (§8064)
For voter-nominated local offices, you must indicate on your declaration of candidacy:
Important:
Obtain Forms (E-113)
Visit your county elections official to get nomination forms. Forms are free. (§8101)
Pay Filing Fee or Begin Collecting Signatures
File fee must be paid when obtaining forms, OR begin in-lieu petition. (§8105)
Execute Declaration of Candidacy
Must be signed in the elections official's office (or designate someone to deliver it to you). (§8028)
Collect Nomination Signatures (E-113 to E-88)
Gather required number of valid signatures from eligible voters during the nomination period. Circulators must meet §102 requirements.
File Complete Packet by E-88 at 5 PM
Submit ALL documents to county elections official. Get dated receipt. (§8020)
You may withdraw your nomination documents if:
Filing fees are NON-REFUNDABLE even if you withdraw
Important: This withdrawal procedure does NOT apply to candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Controller, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, or Treasurer (§8020.5)
If a county incumbent does NOT file by E-88:
You may submit an optional candidate statement (statement of qualifications) that appears in the county Voter Information Guide, under Elections Code §13307. It is filed with your nomination papers (see Step 3 for the deadline).
You MUST accept voluntary spending limits on Form 501 to purchase a candidate statement. This applies to all state candidates (Governor, statewide offices, State Senate, and State Assembly).
What this means: Accepting voluntary spending limits means you agree to cap your campaign spending at the amounts specified in Proposition 34 (see limits below). If you accept spending limits, you become eligible for candidate statement publication. If you don't accept limits, you can still raise and spend unlimited funds, but you won't be eligible for a candidate statement in the Voter Information Guide. This is your choice to make on Form 501.
Step 1: What office are you running for?
Step 2: Have you filed Form 501?
Step 3: Does your Form 501 show acceptance of voluntary spending limits?
Eligible? Continue below to draft your statement and see submission requirements.
If you are running for State Senate or State Assembly, you must work with your County Elections Official, not the Secretary of State directly. Key differences:
Action Required (BEFORE drafting your statement): Contact your County Elections Official at your county elections office to confirm the deadline, costs, submission address, and payment methods specific to your district. Do not assume the statewide deadline applies to you.
All state candidates (Governor, other statewide offices, State Senate & Assembly) MUST accept voluntary spending limits to be eligible for candidate statements. You indicate acceptance on Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement).
Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner
How to accept: You indicate acceptance of spending limits on Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement). Candidates who accept limits are designated in either the state ballot pamphlet (statewide candidates) or the voter information portion of the sample ballot (Senate and Assembly candidates).
Limits effective January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026 (FPPC source)
Your candidate statement must not exceed 250 words. Words are counted using these official rules:
Note: This counter provides guidance based on state regulations. For official submissions, your local elections office will perform the final count.
Local office candidates (city, county, school board, etc.) don't use this Proposition 34 program — they have their own candidate-statement option under Elections Code §13307, with its own word limit and cost set by their jurisdiction. If you're a local candidate, see this checklist's Step 4 for your local rules.
For complete eligibility requirements and guidelines, see the California Secretary of State's Candidate Statements page
Legal Authority: Candidate statement requirements are governed by Government Code §85601 (250-word limit and eligibility - §85601(a) for statewide offices, §85601(c) for State Senate/Assembly), Elections Code §9 (word counting methodology), and Elections Code §18351 (false statement penalties). Knowingly making false statements may result in fines up to $1,000.
Maximum 250 words - Statements exceeding this limit will not be accepted.
The candidate statement shall be accompanied by a declaration that the statement being submitted is true and correct and shall be attested to and signed by the candidate.
What is the declaration?
You MUST file Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement) before submitting a candidate statement.
Important: File Form 501 early to allow time for processing and any corrections needed before the candidate statement deadline.
February 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (for statewide candidates)
Legislative candidates: See important note above for legislative candidates. Check with your county elections office for local deadlines, which may differ.
Important: Statements must be received by the Secretary of State by the deadline. Postmark date is NOT sufficient - plan for delivery time when mailing.
Candidate statement deadlines for the November 2026 General Election will be announced by the Secretary of State. General election deadlines are typically 88 days before the election.
Important: Contact the Secretary of State Elections Division at (916) 657-2166 or check the official website for confirmed general election deadlines.
To submit a correction, contact the Candidate Statement Coordinator at (916) 704-3841 or email Candidate-Statements@sos.ca.gov
Which submission procedure applies to you?
Statewide candidates (Governor, other statewide offices): Submit to Secretary of State using procedures below
Legislative candidates (State Senate, State Assembly): Submit to your County Elections Official - see County Submission Procedures below
The original copy of the candidate statement and accompanying forms must be submitted by mail or delivered in person.
Written Statement Format:
Express Delivery/Mail:
California Secretary of State
Elections Division
Attn: Candidate Statement Coordinator
1500 11th Street, Fifth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email from the Secretary of State within 3-5 business days of receipt. If you do not receive confirmation, contact (916) 704-3841 to verify receipt.
In-Person/Courier Service:
California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, California 95814
To drop off materials, contact Tamiko Heim at (916) 704-3841
Drop off hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In person filings will NOT be accepted in the Secretary of State's Los Angeles office
Email/Fax Advance Notice (NOT Final Submission):
You may email or fax an advance copy of your statement, but this is NOT your final submission. The original mailed copy with ink signature is required for your submission to be complete.
Timeline example: If deadline is February 11, mail original by February 8 to allow 3-day delivery. Email/fax does not extend the deadline.
State Senate and State Assembly candidates submit candidate statements to their County Elections Official, not the Secretary of State. County procedures may differ significantly from state procedures.
Before submitting, contact your County Elections Official to confirm:
Find your County Elections Official: County Elections Offices Directory
Fee: $25.00 per word, not to exceed $6,250.00 (for the maximum 250 words)
Statewide Cost Calculator:
Legislative candidates: Contact county for costs (may differ from state rate)
Candidate statements may include a recent photograph of the candidate.
Prohibited in photographs:
Two-Step Submission Process:
Step 1: Statement Package (MAIL)
Mail to: 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Include: Statement + Declaration + Contact Info + Checklist + Form 501 Copy + Payment
Step 2: Photograph (EMAIL - Separate Submission)
Email to: candidate-statements@sos.ca.gov
File name format: first_last.jpg (example: Pat_Smith.jpg)
Do NOT mail photograph - email only
Important: Photograph submission is separate from statement package submission
Complete this checklist before submitting to avoid rejections:
When submitting your candidate statement to the Secretary of State, include all of the following:
Word Count Safety Tip: Keep your statement at 245 words or fewer to provide a 5-word buffer. The Secretary of State's word count is final - if they count 251+ words, your statement will be rejected. Submitting at exactly 250 words risks rejection if counting methods differ slightly.
Tip: All required forms and the official checklist are available at sos.ca.gov/elections/candidate-statements
Q: Can I mention my opponent in my candidate statement?
A: No. Candidate statements must focus only on your own qualifications and background. Any reference to opponents, even indirect, is prohibited.
Q: What happens if I exceed the 250-word limit?
A: Your statement will not be accepted. The Secretary of State will reject any statement over 250 words, and you'll need to revise and resubmit before the deadline.
Q: Can I submit my statement by email and skip mailing the original?
A: No. While you can email or fax an expedited copy, you MUST mail the original signed statement within 72 hours. Failure to mail the original will result in rejection.
Q: What if my word counter shows 250 words but the Secretary of State counts differently?
A: Our word counter follows California Elections Code §9 word counting methodology. However, the Secretary of State's count is final. If there's a discrepancy, you may be asked to revise your statement or pay additional fees.
Q: What happens if the Secretary of State's word count exceeds 250 words?
A: If the Secretary of State counts more than 250 words after you submit, your statement will be rejected. You will be notified and given the opportunity to revise and resubmit before the deadline.
To avoid this:
If rejected for word count: You may revise your statement to bring it under 250 words and resubmit before the deadline. No refund is provided for rejected statements, but you can submit a corrected version with adjusted payment if word count changes.
Q: Is my photograph required or optional?
A: Photographs are optional but highly recommended. Statements with photographs typically receive more voter attention in the Voter Information Guide.
Q: Can I use all capital letters (ALL CAPS) in my statement?
A: Yes, but be aware that statements entirely in all caps will be typeset in italics in the final printed guide, which may reduce readability.
Q: Do I need to accept voluntary spending limits to submit a candidate statement?
A: YES - for State Senate, State Assembly, and statewide offices. You must indicate acceptance of voluntary spending limits on Form 501. This is a strict requirement.
Q: What are common reasons statements get rejected?
A: Most common reasons: (1) Exceeding word limit, (2) References to opponents, (3) Form 501 not filed or doesn't show spending limits acceptance, (4) Missing original signature on declaration, (5) Payment calculation errors.
A separate campaign bank account must be established for each election.
A bank account is not required if a candidate will not receive any contributions and will make personal expenditures of less than $2,000 in a calendar year. Filing/Qualification fees don't count towards the $2,000 amount.
Leave your email and we'll send you a referral to a professional campaign treasurer.
The $50 fee renews every year by January 15 - track that deadline in the Ongoing Compliance tool.
After you file, the Secretary of State assigns your Committee ID number (usually within 7-10 days) - you'll need it for all future filings. Look it up in Cal-Access once filed.
Your committee is formed. You likely have upcoming compliance deadlines — including Form 460 semi-annual reports.
See your Form 460 filing calendar, pre-election report deadlines, 24-hour reporting rules, and annual fees.
See My Filing DeadlinesCreate compliant disclaimers for your campaign materials using MakeMyDisclaimer.com, a Campaign Comply product.
Access MakeMyDisclaimerSpecial Amendment Scenario - Accepting Ceiling After Primary:
If you rejected the expenditure ceiling for the primary/special election but did not exceed the ceiling during that election, you may now amend to accept the ceiling for the general/special runoff election.
Important: The amended Form 501 must be filed within 14 days following the primary or special election.
Your amended Form 501 must be filed by:
(14 days after the primary election date you entered)
| Election Type | Expenditure Limit |
|---|---|
| Primary / Special Election | - |
| General / Special Runoff Election | - |
Limits are effective January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026 (Regulation 18545)
Follow these steps:
Follow these steps:
State Candidates: File with the California Secretary of State
Political Reform Division
Email: prd@sos.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 653-6224
Filing somewhere else?
Local candidates must file with their County Elections Official OR City Clerk. Use the search tools below to find your filing office:
For County offices (Sheriff, Supervisor, etc.)
For City offices (Council, Mayor, etc.)
After successful receipt, an email will be sent back to you stating "CA SOS, Political Reform Division has received your filing." One confirmation email will be sent for each valid attachment, typically between 5-60 minutes after it has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation email within that timeframe, check your junk mail.
If you are attaching multiple files to one email, please make sure that you receive a confirmation email for each individual file. The file name will be included in the body of the confirmation emails.
The confirmation email does not indicate that the filing has been approved, filed, and/or rejected. PRD staff will review emailed statements in the order they are received, and, if necessary, send correspondence by email to the filer.
All statements will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received; please allow 7-10 days for processing. Increased processing times may occur at different times throughout the year based on the number and type of forms received by our office.
If your digital signature is not able to be verified by our staff, your filing may be rejected. Rejections and requests for corrections will be communicated to the filer by CA SOS Staff when necessary.
Yes, our server will accept and extract individual PDFs from within a ZIP attachment. Before creating the ZIP file, please follow the guidelines for each individual PDF.
To obtain a copy of your filed statement you may send a detailed email request to prdcopyrequest@sos.ca.gov.
For questions about Form 501 - Candidate Intention Statement, contact:
form501@sos.ca.gov
Now that you've completed Form 501, you need to file Form 410 (Statement of Organization) to officially register your committee with the FPPC.
You can edit any field and generate a new PDF
If you don't already have Adobe Reader installed, download it for free:
Download Adobe Reader (Free)Download your filled Form 501 PDF and open it in Adobe Reader (not in your web browser).
Locate and click on the signature field in the PDF. You'll see a dialog box that says "Sign with a Digital ID."
If you don't have a Digital ID:
Critical: Send the digitally signed PDF to your filing office using the filing method they accept.
Validate against California requirements
Get guidance on California's ballot designation requirements (EC §13107, CCR §20716).
Use "/" to separate multiple designations (e.g., "Teacher/Attorney")
0/3 wordsCommon Mistakes:
Valid Examples:
No Ballot Designation:
Per EC §13107(a)(1), you may choose "No Ballot Designation" if you prefer not to list a profession. This is a valid option and will appear as blank on the ballot.