California Code of Regulations §20716(c) states that the elections official shall reject any proposed ballot designation which would mislead voters. In making this determination, the elections official shall determine whether there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonably prudent voter would be misled. The determination shall take into account the plain meaning of the words and the factual accuracy based upon supporting documents submitted by the candidate. California Elections Code §13107(f) states that, if elections official finds the designation to be in violation of any of the rules, the elections official shall notify the candidate, and the candidate has three days from receiving notification provide the elections official with a ballot designation that complies with the rules. If a candidate fails to provide a designation that complies with the rules within the specified timeframe, no ballot designation shall appear after the candidate's name.
Example A: Former School Board Member Example B: Counselor / Retired
Avocations, Statuses, and Pro Forma Professions
California Code of Regulations §20716(b) states that avocations, statuses and pro forma professions, vocations and occupations are distinguished from professions, vocations and occupations and are not acceptable as ballot designations. California Code of Regulations §20716(b)(1) defines “avocations” as a casual or occasional activity, diversion or hobby pursued principally for enjoyment and in addition to the candidate’s principal profession, vocation or occupation. California Code of Regulations §20716(b)(3) defines “status” as a state, condition, social position or legal relation of the candidate to another person, persons or the community as a whole. A status is generic in nature and generally fails to identify with any particular specificity the manner by which the candidate earns his or her livelihood or spends the substantial majority of his or her time. California Code of Regulations §20716(b)(2) defines “pro forma” as positions held by the candidate which consume little or none of the candidate’s time and which, by their nature, are voluntary or for which the candidate is not compensated.
Leadership Positions in an Elective Body
California Code of Regulations §20712(d) states that ballot designations indicating a position of legislative leadership or leadership in another elected body are not elective offices and are improper. However, a candidate may propose these ballot designations for consideration as their current principal professions, vocations, or occupations and be subject to the three-word limit. California Code of Regulations §20712(e) states that any proposed ballot designation which indicates that the candidate is a member of the state or county central committee of a political party, or an officer of a state or county central committee of a political party, are improper and do not constitute elective offices.
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