Presidential Election Calendar of Events November 3, 2020

Sonoma County Registrar of Voters

The following calendar is intended to provide general information and does not have the force or effect of law, regulation, or rule.  It is distributed with the understanding that the Registrar of Voters is not rendering legal advice and that this calendar is not a substitute for legal counsel.  References to code sections are not guaranteed to be correct and may have changed since the calendar was published.  In the case of conflict, the law, regulation, or rule will apply.

Deva Marie Proto, 
County Clerk & Registrar of Voters

A list of holidays observed by the County of Sonoma in 2020 is shown below.  Please note that these holidays may not be the same as those recognized by other counties, the Secretary of State’s Office, or the federal government.

Date variable

Candidates(Before candidate raises any money)

Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501)

Prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan, any individual who intends to be a candidate for an elective state office shall file online or electronically with the Secretary of State’s Office an original Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501).

Any individual who intends to be a candidate for any other elective office shall file the Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) with the same filing officer with whom the original campaign statements are required to be filed. See “Pre-Campaign Reporting Requirements” in this Campaign Guide for more information on filing this form.

Candidates(Before candidate raises $2000 or more)

Statement of Organization/Campaign Bank Account (Form 410)

Upon the filing of the Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501), any candidate who raises contributions of $2,000 or more in a calendar year shall establish a campaign account at an office of a financial institution located in the state. Personal funds used to pay filing or candidate statement fees are not counted toward the $2,000 threshold. The candidate shall then file an original Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State and a copy with the candidate’s local filing officer within 10 days. See “Pre-Campaign Reporting Requirements” in this Campaign Guide for more information on filing this form.

Committees(W/in 10 days of committee making an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more)

Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462)

If a committee makes an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more in a calendar year to support or oppose a single candidate or single ballot measure, the committee must email the Fair Political Practices Commission the Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462) within 10 days. This form is used to identify an individual responsible for ensuring that the campaign committee’s independent expenditures were not coordinated with the listed candidate or measure committee (or the opponent).

June 8, 2020

Govenors(E-148)

Govenor's Proclamation

By this date the Governor shall issue a proclamation, under his or her hand and the Great Seal of the State, and shall state the time of the election and the offices, if any, to be filled. Copies of the proclamation shall be transmitted to the boards of supervisors of the counties.

California Elections Code §12000

June 25, 2020

Secretary of State(E-131)

Statewide Initiative Measures

Last day for an initiative measure to qualify for the general election ballot.

Secretary of State(E-131)

Statewide Ballot Measures

Last day for the Legislature to adopt a constitutional amendment, bond measure, or other legislative measure in order for the proposed measure to appear on the general election ballot.

June 26, 2020

County Superintendent of Schools(E-130)

School District Consolidations

Last day for the County Superintendent of Schools to notify the governing boards of all school and community college districts under his or her jurisdiction in writing that a consolidated election is required to be held.

June 29 to July 13, 2020

City Clerk/Registrar of Voter(E-127 to E-113)

Notice of Election City Offices

The City Clerk (or the Registrar of Voters Office on behalf of the city) shall publish a notice of election one time between these dates. The notice shall include the date and time of the election and the offices to be filled, specifying full term or short term, as the case may be. The notice shall also specify the conditions for appointment pursuant to E.C. §10229 (insufficient nominee provisions).
The notice of election shall be consolidated with the notice of measure(s) to be voted on for each municipal measure that has been placed on the ballot so far.

July 1, 2020

District Secretay(E-125)

Notice of Election and Map of District Boundaries

On or before the 125th day prior to the General District Election, the district secretary for each special district up for election shall deliver a notice to the Registrar of Voters Office containing the elective offices of the district to be filled at the next election and whether the district or the candidate is to pay for the publication of the optional Statement of Qualifications in the County Voter Information Guide. The notice shall bear the secretary’s signature and the district’s seal.

The district secretary shall also deliver a map of the district boundaries, (or, in lieu thereof, a statement indicating that there have been no changes to the boundary lines) to the Registrar of Voters Office.

Registrar of Voters(E-125)

Jurisdictional Boundary Changes

Jurisdictional boundary changes occurring less than 125 days before an election shall not be effective for purposes of that election.

July 3*, 2020

Governing Body(E-123)

Specifications of the Election Order

Whenever an election for school governing board is ordered, the governing board shall, concurrently with or after the order of election but not later than 123 prior to the date of the election, file with the County Superintendent of Schools and the Registrar of Voters Office a resolution specifying (a) the date of the election and (b) the purpose of the election.  The resolution shall be known as “specifications of the election order” and shall set forth the authority for ordering the election, the authority for the specification of the election order, and the signature of the officer or the clerk of the board.

Education Code § 5322
Elections Code §10400 et seq.

July 6, 2020

Governing Body(E-120)

Policy Regarding Candidates’ Statements of Qualifications

Before the nominating period opens, local agencies scheduled for election shall make the following determinations regarding publication of candidates’ optional Statements of Qualifications in the County Voter Information Guide:

• Whether the district or candidate must pay the cost of printing the Statement of Qualifications.  This decision shall not be revoked or modified after the seventh day before the opening of the nominating period.
• If candidates are to pay for the printing of Statements, whether a payment must be made to the district prior to the filing of the nomination papers, or the district will bill the candidates after the election.
• Whether Statements should be limited to 200 or 400 words.  The estimated cost of a 400 word Statement is approximately double the estimated cost of a 200 word Statement.

A written statement of the policy with respect to charges for handling, packaging, and mailing shall be provided to each candidate with nomination papers.

July 6 to August 5, 2020

Registrar Of Voters(E-120 to E-90)

Notice Of Election (School & Special District Offices)

At least 90 and not more than 120 days before the date fixed for the general district election, the Registrar of Voters Office shall publish once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district, a notice of election.  The notice shall contain the names of offices for which candidates may file to run and shall state the qualifications as required by the principal act for each office, the location where the declaration of candidacy forms may be obtained and filed, and the final day and time forms will be accepted for filing.  The notice shall also state that if there are no nominees or insufficient nominees for the office and a petition for an election is not filed with the Registrar of Voters Office within the time prescribed by law, appointments will be made.

July 13 to August 7, 2020

Candidates(E-113 to E-88)

Nomination Period

Period for filing nomination documents for candidates involved in elections at the Consolidated General Election.  (See “Qualifications and Requirements” in this Campaign Guide for more information on nomination documents and procedures on filing for particular offices.)  School and special district candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy in the Registrar of Voters Office, 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa, with the exception of Petaluma Joint Union High School District (candidates for that school district must file at the Petaluma City Clerk’s Office).  Municipal candidates must obtain and file nomination documents with the city clerks of their cities during regular business hours as posted.

School and special district candidates may obtain forms during regular work hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Forms must be filed in person, by designated representative, or by certified mail (PO Box 11485, Santa Rosa, CA 95406-1485) received no later than 5 p.m. on the final filing date.  Candidates who do not appear in person to file nomination documents bear the responsibility of errors or omissions which could affect their candidacy.  No candidate shall withdraw his/her Declaration of Candidacy after 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the date of the election except as provided below.

Candidates(E-113 to E-88)

Statement of Qualifications – U.S. House & State Legislative Candidates

Any candidate for U.S. Representative, or state legislative office who accepts voluntary expenditure limits, may submit a 250-word Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide.  The statement will be printed at the candidate’s expense and may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate.  See “Statements of Qualifications” in this Campaign Guide for further details, including estimated costs of statements..

Candidates(E-113 to E-88)

Statement of Qualifications – Local Nonpartisan Candidates

Any candidate for local nonpartisan office (including an incumbent in a recall election) may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide at the time his or her nomination documents are filed.  If a jurisdiction requires payment in advance, the candidate must pay the jurisdiction and bring proof of payment at the time of filing.  Once filed, the statement may be withdrawn (but not changed) until 5 p.m. on the next regular business day following the close of nominations.  All statements remain confidential until the close of the nomination (or extended nomination) period.   “Statements of Qualifications” in this Campaign Guide for further details, including estimated costs of statements.

Any candidate in an election (including an incumbent in a recall election) who knowingly makes a false statement of a material fact in a candidate’s statement prepared pursuant to ELECTIONS CODE §11327 or ELECTIONS CODE §13307, with the intent to mislead voters, is punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Candidates(E-113 to E-88)

Campaign Disclosure Statements

Any candidate who does not anticipate spending or receiving $2,000 or more in a calendar year may file an Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470), which does not require detailed information concerning receipts and expenditures.

Any candidate who plans to spend or receive $2,000 or more in a calendar year must establish a campaign bank account in California and deposit all the contributions or loans into the account before making any expenditures.  An original Statement of Organization (Form 410) must be completed and sent to the Secretary of State’s Office within 10 days of opening the account.  A copy of the 410 must also be filed with the candidate’s local filing officer.  Note that filing fees and Statement of Qualification fees are not included in calculating the $2,000.

Any candidate who has already filed a Form 470 because they did not originally plan to spend or receive $2,000 or more in a calendar year but then changes their mind shall do the following:

1. Establish a campaign account before the $2,000 expenditure threshold is reached.
2. Complete and send an original Statement of Organization (Form 410) to the Secretary of State’s Office and file a copy with the candidate’s local filing officer.
3. Complete and send an original Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470) Supplement to the Secretary of State’s Office, the candidate’s local filing officer, and each candidate seeking the same office.  This notice is required to be filed within 48 hours of receiving or making contributions or expenditures of $2,000 or more.

Please refer to the appropriate Campaign Disclosure Manual for additional information regarding filing obligations for candidates, officeholders and committees supporting or opposing candidates or measures.

Candidates(E-113 to E-88)

Statement Of Economic Interests (Form 700)

The Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) must be filed not later than the final filing date for the Declaration of Candidacy if it is required by the Conflict of Interest Code for the jurisdiction or by state law.  This statement shall not be required if the candidate has filed, within 60 days prior to the filing of his or her Declaration of Candidacy, a statement for the same jurisdiction.

Candidates/Filing Clerk(E-113 to E-88)

Code of Fair Campaign Practices

At the time a candidate is issued their Declaration of Candidacy, nomination papers, or any document evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official shall issue a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and the provisions of Elections Code §20440 et seq.  The clerk shall inform each candidate for public office that signing the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary.  Forms so filed shall be retained for public viewing until 30 days after the election.

July 28, 2020

Candidates/Registrar of Voters(E-98)

Last Date To Change Candidate’s Ballot Designation

Last day that any candidate who ran in the primary election and qualified for the general election may request in writing a different ballot designation than that used at the primary election.  The written request shall be accompanied by a ballot designation worksheet.  In the case of any state or federal office, this request should be made to both the Secretary of State’s Office and the Registrar of Voters Office.

July 31, 2020

Candidates/Committees(Date fixed by Law)

Semi-Annual Campaign Statements Due

Candidates, committees, and elected officers that have an open committee shall file a semi-annual statement each year no later than July 31 for the period beginning January 1 and ending June 30th.

August 5 to November 3, 2020

Candidates/Committees(E-90 to E-0)

90-Day Reporting Period Or 24-Hour Contribution/Independent Expenditure Reporting Period

Candidates, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees that make or receive a late contribution or loan that totals in the aggregate $1,000 or more during the 90-day election cycle before an election must report late monetary contributions within 24 hours  and non-monetary contributions within 48 hours by personal delivery, fax, or guaranteed overnight service.

Committees that make independent expenditures of $1,000 or more during the 90-day election cycle before an election in connection with a candidate for elective state office or a state ballot measure must file a report online or electronically with the Secretary of State within 24 hours.

Committees that make independent expenditures of $1,000 or more in connection with a candidate for elective local office or a local ballot measure during the 90-day election cycle before an election must file a report by fax, guaranteed overnight delivery, personal delivery, or email with the local filing officer within 24 hours.  Regular mail may not be used..

August 7, 2020

Consolidation Order -- Measures(E-88)

Whenever an election called by a district, city or other political subdivision for the submission of any question, proposition or office to be filled, is to be consolidated with a statewide election (or in the case of local elections, when no specific procedure is specified), the jurisdiction calling the election shall, not later than 5 p.m. on this date, file with the Board of Supervisors, and a copy to the Registrar of Voters Office, a resolution of its governing board requesting such consolidation and setting forth the exact form of any question, proposition or office to be voted upon at such election, as it is to appear on the ballot.  Measures that exceed 75 words must be abbreviated to 75 words or less to appear on the ballot. The resolution requesting the consolidation shall be adopted and filed at the same time as the ordinance, resolution or order calling the election..

Candidates/Registrar of Voters(E-88)

File or Withdraw Nomination Documents

All nomination documents must be filed or withdrawn no later than 5 p.m. on this date (except in the cases of extended nomination periods).

• Required Documents:  Declaration of Candidacy; Ballot Designation Worksheet; Statement of Economic Interests (if required by the jurisdiction’s Conflict of Interest Code or state law).
• Optional Documents:  Code of Fair Campaign Practices; Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications.

This is also the recommended date for candidates who do not intend to raise or spend $2,000 or more in connection with seeking or holding office to file the Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470).

City Clerk/Registrar of Voters(E-88)

Appointment Of Nominees (City Offices Not Going To Extension)

If by 5 p.m. today the nomination period for a municipal office closes (i.e., the office is not going into extension) and there are insufficient nominees to trigger an election, the city clerk shall submit a certificate of these facts to the city council and inform them that they can take one of the following courses of action:

• Appoint to the office the person(s) nominated.
• Appoint to the office an eligible elector if no one has been nominated.
• Hold the election, if either no one or only one person has been nominated.

All persons so appointed shall be seated and serve exactly as if elected to the office.

This section shall not apply if more than one person has been nominated for another city-wide office, or if a city measure is submitted to the voters at the same election.

If the governing body of a city makes an appointment pursuant to this section, the city clerk shall not accept for filing any statement of write-in candidacy submitted after the appointment has been made.

Candidates(E-88)

Statement Of Qualifications – U.S. House & State Legislative Candidates

Last day any candidate for U.S. Representative, or state legislative office who accepts voluntary expenditure limits, to submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide.  For more details, see E-113 to E-88 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide also titled, “Statement of Qualifications – U.S. House & State Legislative Candidates.”

Candidates(E-88)

Statement Of Qualifications – Local Nonpartisan Candidates

Last day any candidate for nonpartisan local office (including an incumbent in a recall election) may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide (excluding offices that have gone to extension).  For more details, see E-113 to E-88 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide also titled, “Statement of Qualifications – Local Nonpartisan Candidates.”

Governing Body(E-88)

Tax Rate Statement – Bond Issues

Last day for legislative or governing body of a jurisdiction putting a bond measure on the ballot to file a Tax Rate Statement   Tax Rate Statements shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide for any bond issue proposed by a county, city and county, city, district, or other political subdivision, or by any agency, department or board thereof, the security for which constitutes a lien on the property for ad valorem taxes within the jurisdiction and the proposal for which is required to be submitted to the voters for approval.

Proponent/Opponent(E-88)

Notice To Submit Arguments

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides, as well as to permit the 10-day public examination period, the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has fixed and determined that August 17 (E-78) shall be the date prior to the election after which no arguments for or against any measure may be submitted (or changed) for printing and distribution to the voters.  For cities the City Clerk shall fix and determine the deadlines for arguments and rebuttals.  Arguments submitted must be accompanied by a Statement of Accuracy and signed by each proponent and author, if different.  Forms are available from the elections official.
Notice of the date by which arguments must be submitted shall be published by the elections official pursuant to Governemnt Coder §6061.

Request For Impartial Analysis (All Local Measures)

Whenever a county, school, or special district measure qualifies for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure text to the County Counsel, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on existing law.  The analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

Whenever a municipal measure qualifies for the ballot, the City Council may direct the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney.  The City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on existing law.  The analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides, as well as to permit the 10-day public examination period, the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has fixed and determined that August 17 (E-78) shall be the date when all impartial analyses are due.

Registrar of Voters(E-88)

Request For Fiscal Analysis (County Measures)

Whenever a county measure qualifies for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure to the County Auditor.  The Board of Supervisors may direct the County Auditor to prepare a Fiscal Impact Statement estimating any increase or decrease in revenues or cost to the county if the measure is adopted.  The Fiscal Impact Statement shall not exceed 500 words.
Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides, as well as to permit the 10-day public examination period, the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has fixed and determined that August 17 (E-78) shall be the date when all fiscal analyses are due.

Registrar of Voters(E-88)

Mailed Ballot Precincts

Whenever, on the 88th day before the election, there are 250 or fewer persons registered to vote in any precinct, the Registrar of Voters Office may designate such precinct as a mailed ballot precinct.  Voters in these precincts may be automatically furnished with a Vote by Mail ballot along with a statement that there will be no polling place for the election and a list of other nearby polling places where the voters can drop off their ballot on Election Day.  Mailed ballot voters shall not be required to file an application for a Vote by Mail ballot.

August 8* to August 12, 2020

Candidates(E-87 to E-83)

Extended Nomination Period

If an incumbent eligible to be elected for an office fails to file the required nomination documents by 5 p.m. on E-88, anyone other than the incumbent who is otherwise qualified shall have five (5) calendar days (until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election) to file for that office.  This section does not apply when there is no incumbent eligible to be elected.

If this section is applicable, notwithstanding Election Code §10510, a candidate for the affected office may withdraw his or her nomination documents until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the date of the election

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

August 8* to August 18, 2020

Public/Registrar of Voters(E-87 to E-77)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-88

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials due on E-88 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days.  Such materials include candidates’ Statements of Qualifications (for offices that are not going to extension), measure full texts, and tax rate statements for bond measures.  Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a  fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction requiring any or all such materials to be amended or deleted.  A peremptory writ of mandate or an injunction shall be issued only upon clear and convincing proof that the material in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements set forth in the Elections Code.  The issuance of the writ or injunction must also not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of official election materials as provided by law.

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

August 10, 2020

Registrar of Voters

Local Measure Letter Assignment

On this day the Registrar of Voters Office will assign a letter designation to each local measure that will appear on the ballot.

Candidates(E-85)

Withdraw Statement Of Qualifications (Offices Not Going To Extension)

Any candidate for an office that is not going to extension has until 5 p.m. on this day to withdraw their Statement of Qualifications.

Elections Code §13307(a)(3)

August 12, 2020

Registrat of Voters(E-83)

Write-In Candidates (Superior Court Judge)

Last day for a candidate running a write-in campaign for superior court judge to submit a petition containing at least 0.1 percent of the registered voters in the county, provided that the petition shall contain at least 100 signatures but need not contain more than 600 signatures.  If such a petition is filed with the elections official by this day and the signatures are found to be valid, the name of the incumbent shall be placed on the general election ballot if it has not appeared on the direct primary election ballot.

Governing Board(E-83)

Amend Or Withdraw Ballot Measure

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever a legislative body has ordered that a measure or proposal be submitted to the voters of any jurisdiction at a special election, the order of election shall not be amended or withdrawn after the 83rd day prior to the election.

The order of election shall be amended or withdrawn upon the filing of a resolution by the legislative body stating the specifics concerning the amendment or withdrawal.  The resolution shall be filed with the elections official not later than the 83rd day prior to the election.

Registrar of Voters/Governing Board(E-83)

Appointment Of Nominees (School Offices)

If by 5 p.m. today there are an insufficient number of nominees for a school office to trigger an election (and if a petition requesting that a school district election be held has not been filed with the elections official), the school board shall seat the nominated person(s) at the organizational meeting of the board.

For any remaining vacant seats, the board shall publish a notice once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district (or if no such newspaper is published in the district, in a newspaper having general circulation in the district), stating that the board intends to make an appointment and informing persons of the procedure available for applying for the office.  The governing board shall then appoint any qualified person(s) at a meeting held prior to the day fixed for the election, and such appointee(s) shall be seated at the organizational meeting of the board and serve exactly as if elected.

City Clerk(E-83)

Appointment Of Nominees (City Offices That Went To Extension)

If by 5 p.m. today the extended nomination period for a municipal office closes and there are insufficient nominees to trigger an election, the city clerk shall take the same course of action as they would for a regular nomination period closing with insufficient nominees.  For more details, see E-88 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide also titled, “Appointment of Nominees (City Offices Not Going to Extension).”

Registrar of Voters/Board of Supervisors(E-83)

Appointment Of Nominees (Special District Offices)

If by 5 p.m. today there are an insufficient number of nominees for a special district office to trigger an election (and if a petition requesting that a special district election be held has not been filed with the Registrar of Voters), the Registrar of Voters shall submit a certificate of these facts to the Board of Supervisors and request that the Board of Supervisors, at a regular or special meeting held prior to the Monday before the first Friday in December in which the election is held, appoint to the office the person or persons, if any, who have filed Declarations of Candidacy.

For any remaining vacant seats, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint to the office any person(s) who qualified on the date when the election would have been held.  All persons so appointed will be seated at the organizational meeting and serve exactly as if elected for the remainder of the term.

August 13 to August 22, 2020

Public/Registrar of Voters(E-82 to E-73)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-83

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials due on E-83 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days.  Such materials include candidates’ Statements of Qualification for offices that went into extension.  Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a  fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the ELECTIONS CODE  For more details on this process, see E-87 to E-77 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide titled, “Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due on E-88.”

Elections Code §13313

August 13, 2020

Candidates(E-82)

Withdraw Statement Of Qualifications (Offices That Went To Extension)

Any candidate for an office that went into extension has until 5 p.m. on this day to withdraw their Statement of Qualifications.

Secretary of State/Registrar of Voters(E-82)

Randomized Alphabet

The Secretary of State shall conduct a drawing of the alphabet to determine the order of the names of the candidates to appear on the ballot.  The resulting random order of letters constitutes the alphabet for all offices other than multi-county state legislative offices.  In addition, and only if applicable, the candidates’ names will be rotated pursuant to Electioins Code §§13111, 13112.

For candidates for multi-county state legislative offices, the Registrar of Voters Office in each affected county shall conduct a randomized alphabet drawing.  The result of each county’s drawing shall be used only to determine the order of the names of candidates for multi-county legislative offices within such county

Elections Code §§13111, 13112

August 17, 2020

Proponents/Opponents(E-78)

Arguments For/Against Measures

Final filing date for arguments for or against any school, county, or special district measure to appear on the ballot, as set by the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters.  Arguments must be filed in the Registrar of Voters Office not later than 5 p.m. on this date.

Suggested last day for arguments for or against any municipal measure to appear on the ballot.  Actual date set by the City Clerk.  Check with the City Clerk for information regarding city measures.

Arguments shall not exceed 300 words and must be accompanied by a Statement of Accuracy and signed by the author(s).  Forms are available from the Registrar of Voters Office (or for municipal measures, from the office of the appropriate city clerk).  Each argument shall be titled either “Argument in Favor of Measure …” or “Argument Against Measure …” (letter designation to be filled in after assignment).

County Counsel/City Attorney(E-78)

Impartial Analysis

In order to provide for the 10-calendar-day review period, the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has set this date as the deadline for County Counsel (or City Clerk in the case of municipal measures) to transmit to the Registrar of Voters Office an impartial analysis of each school, county, and special district measure showing the effect on existing law and the operation of the measure.  The analysis shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide along with the County Auditor’s Fiscal Analysis (if applicable and requested) and arguments for and/or against the measure (if submitted).  The Impartial Analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

County Auditor(E-78)

Fiscal Analysis (County Measures)

In order to provide for the 10-calendar-day review period, this is the last day for the County Auditor, if so directed by the Board of Supervisors, to transmit to the Registrar of Voters Office a Fiscal Analysis (Fiscal Impact Statement) of each county measure, estimating any increase or decrease in revenues or cost to the county if the measure is adopted.  The Fiscal Impact Statement (if any) shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide along with County Counsel’s Impartial Analysis, preceding the arguments for and/or against the measure, if submitted.  The Fiscal Impact Statement shall not exceed 500 words.

August 18 to August 27, 2020

Public/Registrar of Voters(E-77 to E-68)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-78

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-78 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days.  Such materials include tax rate statements for bond measures, impartial analyses for all measures, fiscal analyses for county measures, and arguments in favor of or against all measures.  Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.
During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the Elections Code  For more details on this process, see E-87 to E-77 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide titled, “Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due on E-88.”.

August 27, 2020

Secretary of State/Registrar of Voters(E-68)

Death Of A Candidate

Whenever a candidate has filed a Declaration of Candidacy, the name of the candidate shall be printed upon the ballot unless the candidate has died and that fact has been ascertained by the Registrar of Voters Office at least 68 days before the election.  However, this does not apply to voter-nominated offices in the general election.

Secretary of State/Registrar of Voters(E-68)

Certified List Of Candidates

Last day for the Secretary of State to certify and send to each county elections official a list by public office showing the name, party preference (or lack of party preference), and ballot designation of every person who has received the nomination as a candidate for President, U.S. Representative, or state legislative public office, and is entitled to receive votes within the county at the general election.

By this day, the Secretary of State shall also provide to county elections officials a list of candidates for President, U.S. Representative, or state legislative public office for each Assembly district arranged according to the randomized alphabet drawn on E-82 (August 13).

Proponents/Opponents(E-68)

Rebuttal Arguments For Measures

If both an argument in favor of and an argument against any school, county, or special district measure have been filed, the Registrar of Voters Office shall send copies of each argument to the opposing authors(s).  The opposing author(s) may, if desired, file rebuttal arguments no later than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments.

Suggested last day for rebuttal arguments for or against any municipal measure to appear on the ballot.  Actual date set by the City Clerk.  Check with the City Clerk for information regarding city measures.

Rebuttal arguments shall not exceed 250 words and must be accompanied by a Statement of Accuracy and signed by the author(s).  Forms are available from the Registrar of Voters Office (or for municipal measures, from the City Clerk’s Office).  Each argument shall be titled either “Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure …” or “Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure …” (letter designation to be filled in after assignment).

Presidential Candidates(E-68)

Presidential Candidate Statements (Online Only)

Any eligible presidential candidate may file a 250-word candidate statement with the Secretary of State for inclusion on the Secretary of State’s website.

August 28 to September 6*, 2020

Public/Registrar of Voters(E-67 to E-58)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-68

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-68 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days.  Such materials include rebuttal arguments.  Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the ELECTIONS CODE  For more details on this process, see E-87 to E-77 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide titled, “Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due on E-88.”

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

September 7* to October 20, 2020

Write-In Candidates(E-57 to E-14)

Write-In Candidates (Schools, Cities, & Special Districts)

Period when nomination documents for write-in candidates for school, city, and special district offices may be obtained from and delivered to the Registrar of Voters Office (or to the City Clerk, for municipal offices).  Each write-in candidate must file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy, along with the requisite number of signatures (if any), in order to have their votes counted.  No filing fee is required except in the case of a candidate for city office, as provided for in Section 10228.

Note:  There are no write-in candidates for voter-nominated offices (U.S. House, State Senate, State Assembly) in the general election.

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

September 14, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-50)

Report Of Registration

By this date the Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered as of the 60th day before the date of the general election.

September 24 to October 13, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-40 to E-21)

Mail County Voter Information Guides

During this period the Registrar of Voters Office shall mail County Voter Information Guides to all voters who registered to vote prior to the 28th day before the election.  The location of the polling place and its accessibility to persons with disabilities shall be indicated thereon.  Any voter who registered to vote on or after the 28th day before the election may not be mailed a County Voter Information Guide but will be mailed a notice of their polling place, as well as information about where they can obtain both the County and State Voter Information Guides.

September 24 to October 24*, 2020

Secretary of State(E-40 to E-10)

Mail State Voter Information Guide

During this period, the Secretary of State’s Office shall mail State Voter Information Guides to all voters who registered to vote prior to the 28th day before the election.  The mailing shall commence not less than 40 days before the election and shall be completed no later than 21 days before the election for those voters who registered on or before the 60th day before the election.  The mailing shall be completed no later than 10 days before the election for those voters who registered after the 60th day before the election but before the 28th day before the election.

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

September 24, 2020

Candidates and Committees(E-40)

First Preelection Campaign Statement

Deadline for candidates, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees to file (by first class mail or personal delivery) the first preelection campaign statement covering the reporting period of July 1, 2020 through September 19, 2020.

Candidates and Committees(E-40)

Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470)

Deadline for candidates who expect to receive or spend less than $2,000 during the calendar year to file Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470) (if they have not already filed it with their nomination documents).

October 5, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-29)

Vote By Mail Ballots Available

First day voters can pick up (or have mailed to them) Vote by Mail ballots at the Registrar of Voters Office.  Any registered voter may apply for a Vote by Mail ballot in writing, by phone, or in person.  Vote by Mail ballots must be returned by mail, in person at the Registrar of Voters Office, at any polling place on Election Day, or at an official drop-off box.  If the voter is unable to return the ballot themselves, they can designate another person to do so, but the designated person must return the ballot no later than three days after receiving it from the voter or before the close of polls on Election Day, whichever time period is shorter

Vote by Mail ballots shall be considered timely cast if they are received by the Registrar of Voters Office via the United States Postal Service or a bona fide private mail delivery company no later than three days after Election Day and either:

• The ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day (or is time/date stamped by a bona fide private mail delivery company on or before Election Day)
• The ballot has no postmark (or the postmark is illegible) but the return envelope is signed and dated by the voter pursuant to §3011 on or before Election Day

Vote by Mail ballots shall also be considered timely cast if they are returned to an elections official or polling place by the close of polls on Election Day.

Registrar of Voters(E-29)

Vote By Mail Ballots – Mailing Begins

Date by which the Registrar of Voters Office must begin mailing official ballots to voters who have indicated they want to vote by mail, either in this election or permanently.  For information on how to return Vote by Mail ballots, see calendar entry above titled, “Vote by Mail Ballots Available.”

Registrar of Voters(E-29)

Mailed Ballots – Mailing Begins

Date when the Registrar of Voters Office must begin mailing official ballots to voters residing in “mailed ballot” precincts (precincts with fewer than 250 voters that do not have a polling place).  Along with the ballot these voters shall be mailed a statement that there will be no polling place for the election and a list of other nearby polling places where they can drop off their ballot on Election Day.  These ballots can be returned the same ways as regular Vote by Mail ballots (see calendar entry above titled, “Vote by Mail Ballots Available”).

Elections Code §3005

Registrar of Voters(E-29)

Vote by Mail Signature Verification

The Registrar of Voters Office may begin to process Vote by Mail return envelopes beginning 29 days before the election.  This includes verifying each voter’s signature on the Vote by Mail ballot return envelope pursuant to §3019 and updating voter history records.

Registrar of Voters(E-29)

Precincts, Polling Places, & Election Officers

Last date for the Registrar of Voters Office to establish all polling places and appoint precinct officers for the election.  Immediately following appointments, the Registrar of Voters Office shall mail the appointment notices to the precinct officers.

October 19, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-15)

Close Of Standard Voter Registration

Deadline for any qualified elector to submit a standard registration form to vote in the upcoming election.  Any person who has moved, changed their name, or wishes to change their political party preference must re-register by this date.  However, political party changes will not affect the ballot a voter gets in the general election.  After this date, qualified electors who wish to register can still do so but must “conditionally” register and vote in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at any polling place in the county

October 20 to November 3, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-14 to E-0)

Conditional Voter Registration/Voting

Period during which qualified electors can “conditionally” register and vote if they have missed the E-15 standard registration deadline. Qualified electors must go to the Registrar of Voters Office or a polling place in the county on Election Day in order to register and vote conditionally. Conditional ballots must be voted on site. Each conditional registration/ballot will be reviewed by county elections officials to verify that the individual was eligible to vote and has not already voted elsewhere. If so, the registration becomes permanent and the conditional ballot is counted.

October 20, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-10 business days)

Vote By Mail Ballot Processing

Any jurisdiction having the necessary computer capability may start to process Vote by Mail ballots on the 10th business day before the election. Processing Vote by Mail ballots includes opening Vote by Mail ballot return envelopes, removing ballots, duplicating any damaged ballots, and preparing the ballots to be machine read, or machine reading them, including processing write-in votes so they can be tallied by the machine. However, under no circumstances may a vote count be accessed or released until 8 p.m. on the day of the election

Write-In Candidates(E-14)

Write-In Candidates (School, City, and Special District Offices)

Last day for write-in candidates for school, city, or special district offices who desire to have their votes counted to file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy along with the requisite number of signatures, if any, for that office. The Statement must be filed at the Registrar of Voters Office (or with the City Clerk for municipal offices) by the 14th day prior to the date of the election. No filing fee is required to run as a write-in candidate. Votes for write-in candidates that have not filed will not be counted.

Note: There are no write-in candidates for voter-nominated offices (U.S. House, State Senate, State Assembly) in the general election.

Write-In Candidates(E-14)

Write-In Candidates (President)

Last day for any group of individuals, equal in number to the number of Presidential Electors to which California is entitled, who desire to be write-in candidates for presidential electors pledged to a particular candidate for President and Vice President of the United States to file a declaration of write-in candidacy with the Secretary of State in order to have write-in votes counted. No filing fee is required.

Registrar of Voters(E-14)

Non-English Facsimile Ballots – Information on Website

along with the languages of facsimile copies of the ballot that will be available at each one.  Explanatory information pertaining to the list of polling places, but not the list itself, shall be available in all languages to which the county provides facsimile copies of the ballot.

October 22, 2020

Candidates/Committees(E-12)

Second Preelection Campaign Statement

Deadline for candidates, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees to file (by overnight service or personal delivery but not first class mail) the second pre-election campaign statement covering the reporting period of September 20, 2020 through October 17, 2020.

October 24*, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E-10)

Notice of Central Counting Place

The Registrar of Voters Office shall publish, at least 10 days before the election, in a newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction, a notice specifying the public place to be used to tally votes when ballots are to be counted in a central counting place.

Registrar of Voters(E-10)

Mailing Non-English Facsimile Ballots

By this day, the county elections official shall prepare and process all requests received so far for non-English facsimile ballots from voters in select precincts.

*For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.

October 27, 2020

City Clerk/Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Report of Registration

By this date the Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered as of the 14th day before the date of the general election.

City Clerk/Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Notice of Election (City Measures)

If a municipal measure was placed on the ballot too late to be included in a city’s Notice of Election that was published between the 127th and 113th days before the election (see E-127 to E-113 calendar entry in this Campaign Guide titled, “Notice of Election (Cities)”) the City Clerk (or Registrar of Voters Office on behalf of the city) shall not less than one week before the election publish a synopsis of the measure pursuant to GOVERNMENT CODE§6061. The notice shall be titled “Measure To Be Voted On.”

Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Notice of Polling Places

The Registrar of Voters Office shall not less than one week before the election publish a notice containing the list of polling places designated for each election precinct. Publication shall be pursuant to Government Code §6061.

City Clerk/Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Notice Of Nominees (City Offices)

In case of a municipal election to fill offices, the City Clerk (or Registrar of Voters Office on behalf of the city) shall not less than one week before the election publish a list of the names of the nominees, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, along with the office for which they have been nominated.

Registrar of Voters(E-)

Post List of Polling Places & Precinct Officers

The Registrar of Voters Office shall not less than one week before the election post, at the elections office and on the official website, a list of all current polling places in each precinct along with the names of all the precinct board members appointed by the 15th day before the election and their political party affiliations.

Voters/Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Vote by Mail Ballot Requests

Last day for the Registrar of Voters Office to receive and process Vote by Mail ballot applications by mail for the upcoming election. This includes military or overseas voters. After this date, any voter may still apply in person to obtain a Vote by Mail ballot if they will be unable to go to the polls on Election Day. Voters unable to request a ballot in person may designate in writing any other person as an authorized agent to obtain and return the Vote by Mail ballot on their behalf.

Voters/Registrar of Voters(E-7)

Mailing Non-English Facsimile Ballots

Last day a Vote by Mail voter may request a non-English facsimile copy of a ballot be mailed to them. The request can be made by phone, mail, email, or when requesting a Vote by Mail ballot from the county.

October 28 to November 3, 2020

Voters/Registrar of Voters(E-6 to E-0)

Emergency Vote by Mail Ballots

Period during which a voter may apply in writing to have an emergency Vote by Mail ballot delivered to them if they are unable to go to their polling place due to unexpected illness, handicap, or absence.  The voter may designate any authorized representative to receive the ballot, with a written request, and return the voted Vote by Mail ballot.

November 3, 2020

Voters/Registrar of Voters(E-Day)

Election Day

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.  Vote by Mail ballots may be returned in person or by a designated person not later than 8 p.m. either to the Registrar of Voters Office or to any polling place in the State.  Vote by Mail ballots may also be returned in the mail as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day and received within three days.

November 5, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E+2)

Official Canvass

No later than the Thursday following the election, the Registrar of Voters Office shall commence the official canvass of votes cast. The canvass shall be open to the public and, for state or statewide elections, shall result in a report of results to the Secretary of State. The canvass shall be continued daily (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted) for not less than six hours each day until completed.

During the official canvass of every election in which a voting system is used, the Registrar of Voters Office shall conduct a public manual tally of the ballots tabulated by those devices, including Vote by Mail ballots.

November 6, 2020

Voters/Registrar of Voters(E+3)

Vote by Mail Ballots Received After Election Day

Vote by Mail ballots are considered timely cast if they are received by the Registrar of Voters Office by the third day following the election and either:

• The ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day (or is time/date stamped by a bona fide private mail delivery company on or before Election Day)
• The ballot has no postmark (or the postmark is illegible) but the return envelope is signed and dated by the voter pursuant to §3011 on or before Election Day

December 1, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E+28)

Post Updated List Of Polling Places & Precinct Officers

Not later than this date the Registrar of Voters Office shall post, at the elections office and on the official website, an updated list of the precinct board members and political party affiliation who actually served on Election Day. This list shall remain posted for 30 days after the completion of the canvass.

Registrar of Voters(E+28)

Presidential Elector Results

The Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State the vote given for persons for electors of President and Vice President of the United States. Such results shall be endorsed “Presidential Election Returns” and shall be canvassed and sent within 28 days after the election.

December 3, 2020

Registrar of Voters(E+30)

Completion Of Canvass

The Registrar of Voters Office shall prepare a certified statement of the results of the election and submit it to the governing body within 30 days of the election. The certified results shall also be posted to the Registrar of Voters’ website.

Governing Body/Registrar of Voters(E+30)

Declaration of Candidates Elected & Delivery of Certificates of Election

Upon receipt of the certified statement of the results of the election from the Registrar of Voters Office, the governing body shall declare elected or nominated to each office voted on at each election under its jurisdiction the person(s) having the highest number of votes for that office.  The governing board shall also declare the results of each election under its jurisdiction as to each measure voted on at the election. 
The Registrar of Voters Office shall make out and deliver to each person elected or nominated, as declared by the governing body, except those elected to a central committee, a certificate of election or nomination, signed and authenticated by the Registrar of Voters Office.

December 5 2020

Secretary of State(E+32)

Certificates of Election (Presidential Electors)

Last day for the Secretary of State to analyze the votes given for Presidential Electors and certify to the Governor the names of the proper number of persons having the highest number of votes. The Secretary of State shall issue and transmit to each Presidential Elector a certificate of election.

December 11, 2020

Secretary of State(E+38)

Statement of The Vote & Mailing Certificates Of Election

Last day for the Secretary of State to prepare, certify, and file a Statement of the Vote from the compiled election returns and post it to the Secretary of State’s website. The statement must include results for candidates for statewide office, State Assembly, State Senate, Congress, and statewide ballot measures. The Secretary of State shall also issue to each of the above elected candidates a certificate of election.

January 31, 2021

Candidates/Committees(Date fixed by law)

Semi-Annual Campaign Statement Due

Candidates, committees, and elected officers that have an open committee shall file a semi-annual statement each year no later than January 31 for the period beginning July 1 and ending December 31 of the prior year.

top

Back to Campaign Guide and Calendar of Events

Previous page