Introduction
Introduction The purpose of California’s Political Reform Act (Act) is to ensure that disclosure of political payments is accurate, timely, and made in a transparent manner. Clear and accurate disclosure is essential for making voters aware of who is paying for political messages so they may evaluate the content and make informed decisions when voting. In California, the true source of a contribution must be disclosed. This manual sets out the campaign reporting requirements for:
• Local candidates
• Superior and Appellate Court judges and candidates for Superior and Appellate Court
• Local candidate controlled committees
• Committees primarily formed to support or oppose a local candidate(s)
Since the Act was approved by California voters in 1974, there have been more than 200 amendments to the Act’s campaign disclosure provisions. This manual has been prepared to assist local candidates and committees in complying with the Act’s numerous and often detailed rules. The manual is written in a “user friendly” format so that candidates and committees have a resource guide. At the end of each chapter, a list of statutes and regulations that provide authority for the information in that chapter is provided. The statutes and regulations may be accessed on the FPPC website. This manual describes the state campaign finance and disclosure laws under the Act that apply to local candidates and committees. Many cities and counties have adopted local campaign ordinances that contain additional restrictions and requirements. Local candidates and committees should check with their local elections office or ethics agency to determine if there are additional local requirements and restrictions, such as contribution limits. Effective January 1, 2021 a default state campaign contribution limit applies to city and
Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov
Introduction -1
Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 104
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