2026 Candidate Information Guide-FINAL Version

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 5

Overview of the Candidate Filing Guide ............................................................................................... 5

Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................. 6

Important Dates and Timelines ............................................................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 2: ELECTIVE OFFICE INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 10 Offices Up for Election ......................................................................................................................... 10

Salaries and Qualifications .................................................................................................................. 11

Notice to Candidates Regarding Incompatible Offices ...................................................................... 14

Notice to Candidates Who Are an Employee of a Local Agency ..................................................... 15

CHAPTER 3: CANDIDATE FILING PROCESS ............................................................................................. 16

Filing Fees ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Petition In-Lieu of Filing Fee ............................................................................................................... 18

Nomination Petition .............................................................................................................................. 19

Declaration of Candidacy .................................................................................................................... 20

Ballot Designation ................................................................................................................................ 20

Candidate Statement ........................................................................................................................... 27

CHAPTER 4: FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) FILINGS ........................................ 33

Fair Political Practices Commission Filing Forms .............................................................................. 33 Filing Schedule for State Candidate Controlled Committees ........................................................... 34

Filing Schedule for Local Candidate Controlled Committees .......................................................... 35

Financial and Campaign Disclosure Information ............................................................................... 35

Where to file Campaign Disclosure Statements (Local Candidates) ............................................... 36

CHAPTER 5: CAMPAIGN LAWS AND REGULATIONS .............................................................................. 37

Political Sign Regulations .................................................................................................................... 37

Campaign Literature ............................................................................................................................ 39

Political Meetings ................................................................................................................................. 40 Misrepresentation of Candidates ........................................................................................................ 41

Electioneering ....................................................................................................................................... 41

Truth in Endorsement Laws ................................................................................................................ 42

Fair Campaign Practices ..................................................................................................................... 43

Libel and Slander ................................................................................................................................. 43

Mailings ................................................................................................................................................. 44

To Report Election Violations .............................................................................................................. 46

CHAPTER 6: REGISTRAR OF VOTERS SERVICES ................................................................................... 47 Public Viewing Terminals .................................................................................................................... 47

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