March 3, 2020 Consolidated Primary Election Calendar of Events

The following calendar is intended to provide general information and does not have the force or effect of law, regulation or rule. References to code sections were accurate on the date of publication, but changes may have occurred since then. Thus, the references are provided for convenience only and should not be relied upon. 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. In the case of conflict, the law, rule or regulation will apply.

Deva Marie Proto, 
County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters

For dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, use the next regular business day for transactions.  Please note that the following holidays are legal holidays observed by the County of Sonoma.  They may not be the same holidays recognized by other counties or by the Secretary of State’s Office.

2020

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Note: the Calendar of Events shows the following: Actual Date, Election +/- Date, Person(s) Responsible, Event and legal citation.

Candidates

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 with the Secretary of State’s Office an original of the 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 the campaign guide, for more information on filing this form.

Candidates

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. The candidate shall then set forth the name and address of the financial institution where the candidate has established a campaign account and the account number on the committee Statement of Organization (Form 410). See “Pre-Campaign Reporting Requirements,” in the campaign guide, for more information on filing this form.

A fine of $10 per day, up to a maximum of $100, may be assigned for the late filing of Form 410.

Committees

Verification of Independent Expenditures - Committees That Support or Oppose Candidates For State Or Local Offices » The Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462) 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) and that the committee will report all contributions and reimbursements as required by law. An independent expenditure is not subject to state or local contribution limits. This form must be emailed to the Fair Political Practices Commission within 10 days of an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more

Committees

Independent Expenditures - Committees That Support or Oppose Candidates for County Offices » Any person who makes independent expenditures in support of or in opposition to any county candidate, which accumulate to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or more during an election cycle shall notify the county registrar of voters and all candidates running for the same seat, by telegram, facsimile, or by any other electronic means accepted by the county registrar of voters, within twenty-four (24) hours each time such an expenditure is made.

September 27 (Election -158) Office of Secretary of State

Declaration of Candidacy » The Secretary of State shall send to the Registrar of Voters Office a list of all the offices, except county officers and judges of superior courts, for which candidates are to be nominated at the primary election.

September 27 to December 6 (Election -158 to -88) County Central Committee

Nomination Period » Period in which all candidates for Member of the County Central Committee must file their declarations of candidacy for office and their ballot designation worksheets and circulate their nomination papers and deliver them to the county elections official for filing.

September 12 to November 6 (Election -173 to -118) Judicial Candidates

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees » Between these dates, any candidate for judicial office may obtain forms from, and file signatures-in-lieu of paying all or part of the non-refundable filing fee with, the Registrar of Voters Office. Candidates must either pay the filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu (or any combination thereof) prior to filing their Declaration of Intention.

September 12 to November 6 (Election -173 to -118) Federal, State, and County Candidates

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees - Candidates other than Judicial » Between these dates, any candidate for Federal, State, and County office may obtain forms from, and file signatures-in-lieu of paying all or part of the non-refundable filing fee with, the Registrar of Voters Office. Candidates must either pay the filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu (or any combination thereof) prior to obtaining their nomination forms. Signatures may also be applied to the nomination signature requirements for the office if filed during this period.

October 1 (Election -154) Registrar of Voters

Report of Registration » The Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered as of the 154^th day before the date of the primary election.

Elections Code §§8061, 8105(b), 8106 (a)(4), (6)b

October 7 (Election -148) Governor/Board of Supervisors

Governor's Proclamations » 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.

Elections Code §2187

October 24 (Election -131) Office of Secretary of State

Statewide Ballot Measures » Last day for the Legislature to adopt a constitutional amendment, bond measure, or other legislative measure. Every constitutional amendment, bond measure, or other legislative measure submitted to the people by the Legislature shall appear on the ballot of the first statewide election occurring at least 131 days after the adoption of the proposal by Legislature.

October 28 to November 6 (Election -127 To -118) Judicial Candidates

Declaration of Intention - Judicial Candidates » Between these dates, candidates for judicial office must file a Declaration of Intention with the Registrar of Voters in their county of residence. Candidates must either pay the non-refundable filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu, or any combination thereof, at the time of filing a Declaration of Intention. Checks should be made payable to the Registrar of Voters.

If an incumbent, eligible to be elected, fails to file a Declaration of Intention by 5:00 PM on the final day to file, persons other than the incumbent may file a Declaration of Intention not later than 5:00 PM on the first day for filing nomination papers.

October 30 (Election -125) Office of Secretary of State

County Central Committee/County Council - American Independent » Not later than this date the Secretary of State shall compute the number of central committee members to be elected in each county, and shall mail a certificate reporting that information to the elections official of each county and to the Chairperson of the American Independent Party State Central Committee.

October 30 (Election -125) Office of Secretary of State

Qualified Parties » At least 125 days before the direct primary elections, the Secretary of State shall prepare and transmit to each county elections official a notice designating the political parties qualified to participate in the primary election.

October 30 (Election -125) Registrar of Voters

Precinct Boundary Changes » Precinct boundary changes occurring less than 125 days before an election shall not be effective for purposes of that election.

November 6 (Election -118) Judicial Candidates

Signatures-in-Lieu - Judicial Candidates » Last day candidates for judicial offices may file signatures–in–lieu of paying all or part of the nonrefundable filing fee in the Registrar of Voters Office. The balance of the filing fee not covered by face value signatures must be paid by this date upon filing the Declaration of Intent. Within 10 days after receipt of the petitions, the Registrar of Voters Office shall notify the candidate in writing of any deficiency due to invalid signatures. It is recommended that the candidate deposit a check, not to exceed the amount of the remainder of the filing fee due as a result of the deficiency, with the Registrar of Voters Office, to avoid disqualification due to nonpayment of fees. The candidate may submit the necessary number of valid supplemental signatures and/or pro-rata filing fee prior to the close of the nomination period to make up for the invalid signatures. Circulators of an in-lieu-filing-fee petition shall be 18 years of age or older.

November 6 (Election -118) Judicial

Declaration of Intention - Judicial Candidates » Last day any judicial candidate may file a Declaration of Intention to run for office (unless an incumbent, eligible to be elected, fails to file).

November 6 (Election -118) Federal, State, and County Candidates

Signatures-in-Lieu Last Day–Candidates other than Judicial » Last day candidates may file signatures–in–lieu of paying all or part of the nonrefundable filing fee in the Registrar of Voters Office. The balance of the fee not covered by face value signatures must be paid by the close of the filing period for nomination documents. Within 10 days after receipt of the petitions, the Registrar of Voters Office shall notify the candidate in writing of any deficiency.

If a petition is circulated for an office in more than one county, the candidate shall submit the signatures to the Registrar of Voters Office in the county where the petition was circulated. It is recommended that the candidate deposit a check, not to exceed the amount of the remainder of the filing fee due as a result of the deficiency, with the Registrar of Voters Office of the candidate’s county of residence, to avoid disqualification due to nonpayment of fees.

The Registrar of Voters shall, within two days of verifying the petitions, notify the Secretary of State of the total number of valid signatures, if appropriate. If the number of signatures is insufficient, the Secretary of State shall notify the candidate and the elections official in each county of the fact.

Circulators of an in-lieu-filing-fee petition shall be 18 years of age or older.

November 7 to November 11* (Election -117 to -113) Judicial Candidates

Declaration of Intention-Extended Filing Period - Judicial Candidates » If an incumbent judicial officer, eligible to be reelected, fails to file a Declaration of Intention by 5:00 PM on the final day to file a Declaration of Intention, any person who is qualified, other than the incumbent, may file a Declaration of Intention no later than 5:00 PM on the first day for filing nomination papers. The nonrefundable filing fee or sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu (or any combination thereof) shall be deposited at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention.

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

November 9* (Election -115) Registrar of Voters

County Central Committee/County Council - Green, Libertarian, and Peace & Freedom » Not later than this date the election official shall compute the number of central committee/county council members to be elected in each county to the Green, Libertarian, and Peace & Freedom parties based on the report of registration to the Secretary of State as of the 135^th 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.

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

Nomination Period » Period for filing nomination documents for all candidates for the Consolidated Primary Election. (See “Qualifications and Requirements” for the specific office in the campaign guide for more information on nomination documents and procedures on filing for office.)

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

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) U.S. Representative/State Legislative Candidates

Statement of Qualifications – U.S. Representative/State Legislative Candidates Only - Optional » Any candidate for U.S. Representative, and state legislative office who accepts voluntary expenditure limits, may submit a 250–word Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the 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 the campaign guide for costs of statements and guidelines on submitting a statement of qualifications.

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

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) Local Candidates/Registrar of Voters

Statement of Qualifications – Optional » Any candidate for nonpartisan local office (including an incumbent in a recall election) may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the Voter Information Guide at the time his or her nomination documents are filed. Candidates who are not required to file nomination documents (i.e. run–off elections), but who wish to file an optional Statement of Qualifications must do so no later than 5:00 PM on the 88^th day prior to election. 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 5:00 PM the next regular business day following the close of nominations. All statements remain confidential until the close of the nomination (or extended nomination) period. See the campaign guide for costs of statements and guidelines on submitting a Statement of Qualifications.

Misrepresentation in Statement » 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).

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

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

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

Any candidate who receives any contributions or loans from others must establish a campaign bank account in California and deposit all the contributions or loans into the account before expenditure. An original and one copy of the Statement of Organization (Form 410) must be sent to the Secretary of State’s Office within 10 days of opening the account. Exception: A bank account is not required if a candidate will not receive contributions or make personal expenditures of more than $2,000. The filing and statement of qualification fees are not included in calculating the $2,000. For more details, refer to Campaign Disclosure Manual 2 for Local Candidates and their Controlled Committees.

Before expending $2,000 or more of personal funds in a calendar year, any candidate who has not established a campaign account pursuant to Government Code §85201 shall (1) establish a campaign account before the $2,000 expenditure threshold is reached; (2) file an original and one copy of the Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State’s Office and, if applicable, file a copy with the appropriate local filing officer (this form also contains the campaign bank account information); and (3) file the Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form 470 Supplement (Form 470 Supplement) with the Secretary of State’s Office, the appropriate 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.

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

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

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.

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

November 11* to December 6 (Election -113 to -88) Candidates/Filing Clerk

Code of Fair Campaign Practices - Voluntary » At the time declaration of candidacy, nomination papers, or any document evidencing a candidate’s intention to run for a public office are issued, 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.

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

December 4 to March 3 (Election -90 to -0) Candidates/Committees

90-Day Reporting period of 24-Hour Contribution/Independent Expenditure Reporting Period » Candidates, ballot measure and recipient committees that make or receive a late contribution or loan that totals in the aggregate $1,000 or more, must report the late monetary contribution within 24 hours and non-monetary contributions within 48 hours by personal delivery, fax, or guaranteed overnight service.

Committees that make independent expenditures of $2,000 or more, must report the independent expenditure with 24 hours by personal deliver, fax, or guaranteed overnight service (Sonoma County Local Ordinance Sections 2-213 requires any person/committee making independent expenditures of $1,000 or more to report this independent expenditure within 24 hours during any election cycle).

December 6 (Date designated by the Secretary of State) U.S. Representateive/State Legislative Candidates

Statement of Qualifications Optional » Deadline for any candidate for statewide office or U.S. Representative may purchase space for a 250-word candidate statement in the official state Voter Information Guide. Statewide candidates may purchase statement space only if they have agreed to voluntary expenditure limits.

December 6 (Election -88) Governing Body/Registrar Of Voters

Consolidation Order – Other Than School District Governing Board Elections » 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 5:00 PM 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.

December 6 (Election -88) Governing Body

Tax Statement – Bond Issues » Final date for filing Tax Rate Statement. Tax Rate Statements shall be printed in the 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.

December 6 (Election -88) Proponent/Opponent/Registrar of Voters

Notice to Submit Arguments » Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print arguments, analyses and Voter Information Guides and to permit the 10-day public examination period, the elections official shall fix and determine a reasonable date prior to the election after which no arguments for or against any measure may be submitted for printing and distribution to the voters.

Notice of the date by which arguments must be submitted shall be published by the elections official pursuant to Government Code §6061 (one time). Arguments may be changed until and including the date fixed by the elections official. 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.

December 6 (Election -88) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

File or Withdraw Nomination Documents–Last Day » All nomination documents must be filed no later than 5:00 PM on this date.

• Final date for filing the following required documents:  Declaration of Candidacy; Nomination papers signed by signers pursuant to Section 8041; Ballot Designation Worksheet; Statement of Economic Interests (if required by the jurisdiction’s Conflict of Interest Code or state law).
• Final date for filing the following optional documents: Code of Fair Campaign Practices; Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications.
• Recommended date for filing the Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (California Form 470) if the candidate does not intend to raise or spend $2,000 or more in connection with seeking or holding office.

No candidate whose Declaration of Candidacy has been filed for any primary election may withdraw as a candidate at that primary election.

December 6 (Election -88) County Council/Registrar of Voters

Request for Impartial Analysis–County, School or Special District Measure » Upon the measure’s qualification for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure text of each county, school or special district measure to the County Counsel, who shall prepare an Impartial Analysis of the measure. The analysis is due by the 78^th day before the date of the election.

Request for Impartial Analysis–Municipal Measure » Upon the measure’s qualification for the ballot, the Council may direct the city elections official 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 in length and must be forwarded to the Registrar of Voters Office by the 78^th day before the date of the election.

December 6 (Election -88) County Auditor

Request for Fiscal Analysis » Whenever any 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 and must be forwarded to the Registrar of Voters Office by the 78^th day before the date of the election.

December 6 (Election -88) Registrar of Voters

Mailed Ballot Precincts » Whenever, on the 88^th 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. Each voter shall be furnished with an official ballot, as soon as ballots are made available, along with a statement that there will be no polling place for the election. The voter shall not be required to file an application for the ballot.

December 7* (Election -87)Registrar of Voters

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

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

December 7* (Election -87) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

Statement of Qualifications–Withdrawal-Local Nonpartisan Office » Last day for any candidate, who so desires, to withdraw his or her Statement of Qualifications (unless there is an extension of the nomination period). Statements may be withdrawn (but not changed) during the period for filing nomination papers and until 5:00 PM on the next regular business day following the close of the nomination (or extended nomination) period for the office.

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

December 7* to December 11 (Election -87 to -83) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

Extended Nomination Period » If an incumbent, eligible to be elected, fails to file the required nomination documents by 5:00 PM on the last day to file (88 days before the election), anyone (other than the incumbent) who is otherwise qualified shall have five (5) calendar days (until 5:00 PM on the 83^rd day before the election) to file for that office. This section does not apply when there is no incumbent eligible to be elected to County Central Committee/County Council offices, or to any office in which there is a Declaration of Intention period that is extended as a result of the incumbent’s failure to file his/her Declaration of Intention.

No candidate whose Declaration of Candidacy has been filed for any primary election may withdraw as a candidate at that primary election.

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

December 7* to December 16 (Election -87 to -78) Public/Registrar of Voters

Public Examination of Materials Required to be Filed by the 88^th Day-Tax Rate Statements, Statements of Qualifications, Full Text, Etc. » Not less than 10 days before the Registrar of Voters Office submits any election materials for printing, the Registrar shall make a copy of such materials available for public examination in the Registrar of Voters Office. A fee may be charged to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the materials.

During the 10-calendar-day review period provided by this section, 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 of Chapters 2-6 of Division 9 or Chapter 3 of Division 6 of the Elections Code, and that issuance of the writ or injunction will 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.

December 11 (Election -83) Governing Body

Amendment or Withdrawal of Ballot Measures–Last Day » 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 83^rd 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 83^rd day prior to the election.

December 12 to December 21* (Election -82 to -73) Public/Registrar of Voters

Public Examination of Materials Required to be Filed by the 93^rd Day–Candidates Statements Extension » Not less than 10 days before the Registrar of Voters Office submits any election materials for printing, the Registrar shall make a copy of such materials available for public examination in the Registrar of Voters Office. A fee may be charged to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the materials.

During the 10-calendar-day review period provided by this section, 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 of Chapter 3 of Division 13 of the Elections Code and that issuance of the writ or injunction will 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.

December 12 (Election -82) Candidates/Registrar of Voters

Statement of Qualifications-Withdrawal Extension-Local Nonpartisan Offices » If there has been an extension of the nomination period for a local nonpartisan office, this is the last day for any candidate for that office, who so desires, to withdraw his or her Statement of Qualifications. Statements may be withdrawn, but not changed, during the period for filing nomination papers and until 5:00 PM on the next regular business day after the close of the extended nomination period.

December 12 (Election -82) Secretary of State/Registrar of Voters

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 Elections 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 §13112

December 16 (Election -78) Proponents/Opponents

Arguments for or Against Measure–County or District Measure » Final filing date for arguments for or against any measure to appear on the ballot. Arguments must be filed in the Registrar of Voters Office not later than 5:00 PM on this date.

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

General Information » 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).

December 16 (Election -78) County Counsel/City Attorney

Impartial Analysis-County, School or Special District Measure » In order to provide for the 10-calendar-day review period, this is the last day for County Counsel to transmit to the Registrar of Voters Office an Impartial Analysis of each county, school or special district measure, showing the effect on existing law and the operation of the measure. The analysis shall be printed in the Voter Information Guide along with the County Auditor’s Fiscal Analysis if requested and arguments for and/or against the measure if submitted. The Impartial Analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

Impartial Analysis-Municipal Measure » In order to provide for the 10-calendar-day review period, this is the suggested last day for the City Attorney to transmit to the City Clerk’s Office an Impartial Analysis of each city measure, showing the effect on existing law and the operation of the measure, and the last day for the City Clerk to transmit same to the Registrar of Voters Office. The analysis shall be printed in the Voter Information Guide along with the arguments for and/or against the measure if submitted. The Impartial Analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

December 16 (Election -78) County Auditor

Fiscal Analysis-County Measure » 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 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.

December 16 (Election -78) Registrar of Voters

Judicial Incumbent-Only Nominee » In any county or judicial district in which only the incumbent has filed nomination documents for the office of Superior Court Judge, his or her name shall not appear on the ballot unless a petition has been filed by this date indicating a write–in campaign will be conducted for the office. The petition must be signed by at least 0.1 percent of the registered voters qualified to vote with respect to that office, provided that the petition shall contain at least 100 signatures but need not contain more than 600 signatures.

If the incumbent’s name does not appear on either the Primary or General Election ballot, then on the day of the General Election, the Registrar of Voters shall declare the incumbent judge reelected. No certificate of election shall be issued before the date of the General Election.

Statement of Write-in Candidacy » In addition to filing the above stated petition, any judicial write–in candidate must file, between the 57^th day and the 14^th day before the election, a Statement of Write–In Candidacy and the number of signatures required on the nomination paper.

December 17 to December 26 (Election -77 to -68) Registrar of Voters

Public Examination of Materials Required to be Filed by the 78^th Day-Direct Arguments, Impartial and/or Fiscal Analysis » Not less than 10 days before the Registrar of Voters Office submits any election materials for printing, the Registrar shall make a copy of such materials available for public examination in the Registrar of Voters Office. A fee may be charged to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the materials.

During the 10-calendar-day review period provided by this section, 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 of Chapter 2-6 of Division 9 of the Elections Code and that issuance of the writ or injunction will not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of official election materials as provided by law.

December 26 (Election -68) Secretary of State/Registrar of Voters

Certified List of Candidates » Secretary of State to transmit the certified list of candidates to all County Registrars no later than this date.

December 26 (Election -68) Proponents/Opponents

Rebuttal Arguments-County or District Measure » If both an argument in favor of and an argument against any 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.

Rebuttal Arguments-Municipal Measure » If both an argument in favor of and an argument against any measure have been filed; the City Clerk shall send copies of each argument to the opposing author(s). The date for filing rebuttal arguments is predicated on the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of direct arguments. The opposing author(s) may, if desired, file rebuttal arguments no later than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments.

The provisions for rebuttal arguments shall apply to municipal elections only if, not later than the day the election is called, the city council by majority vote, so provides. Once such action is taken, it is effective for all future elections until rescinded.

General Information » 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 office of the appropriate City Clerk). 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).

December 27 to January 5 (Election -67 to -58) Registrar of Voters

Public Examination of Materials Required to be Filed by the 68^th Day-Rebuttal Arguments » Not less than 10 days before the Registrar of Voters Office submits any election materials for printing, the Registrar shall make a copy of such materials available for public examination in the Registrar of Voters Office. A fee may be charged to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the materials.

During the 10-calendar-day review period provided by this section, 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 of Chapter 2-6 of Division 9 of the Elections Code and that issuance of the writ or injunction will not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of official election materials as provided by law.

January 6 to February 18 (Election -21) Write-in Candidate

Statement of Write-in Candidacy » Each write-in candidate who desires to have his or her votes counted for a particular office must file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy along with the requisite number of signatures, if any, for such office. Nomination documents for write-in candidacy may be obtained from and delivered to the Registrar of Voters Office (or to the City Clerk, for municipal offices) between the 57^th day and 14^th day prior to the date of the election.

January 13 (Election -50) Registrar of Voters

Report of Registration » The Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered as of the 60^th day before the date of the primary/general election.

Upon written request of the chair or vice chair of a party state central committee or of the chair of a party county central committee, the county elections official shall furnish to each committee, without charge therefor, the roster for the primary and general elections, for any special election at which a partisan office is to be filled, or for any statewide special election. The county elections official shall furnish one copy per election in an electronic form, or in paper form upon request, of the rosters specified in this section.

January 23 (Date fixed by law) Candidates and Committees

First Pre-Election Campaign Statement » Candidates, ballot measure and recipient committees must file (by personal delivery or first class mail) a pre-election campaign statement covering the report period of January 1, 2020, (or from date of last report) through January 18, 2020, by January 23, 2020. Candidates who expect to receive or spend $2000 or less during the calendar year, and who have not already filed the Form 470 with their nomination documents, must file Form 470 by this date. (excludes Central Committee Members).

January 23 to February 22 (Election -40 to -10) Office of Secretary of State

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 28^th day before the election.

January 23 to February 11 (Election -40 to -21) Registrar of Voters

Mail County Voter Information Guide » Between these dates the Registrar of Voters Office shall mail County Voter Information Guides to all voters who registered to vote prior to the 29^th day before the election. The location of the polling place and its accessibility to persons with disabilities shall be indicated thereon. Voters who registered to vote after the 29^th day before the election may not be mailed a Voter Information Guide but will be mailed a notice of polling place.

February 3 (Election -29) Registrar of Voters

Vote by Mail Ballots Available » Any qualified voter may apply for a Vote by Mail ballot. Ballots must be obtained from and returned to the Registrar of Voters Office either in person, via an authorized agent, or by mail. Hand delivered voted ballots must be returned in person, by mail, or by an authorized agent to the Registrar of Voters Office no later than 8:00 PM on Election Day. Ballots can also be delivered in person or by an authorized agent to the polls on Election Day. The law permits a vote by mail voter who is unable to return the ballot, to designate any person to return the ballot, within three days, to the elections official who issued the ballot; to the precinct board at a polling place or to a vote center or vote by mail ballot drop-off location within the state. Ballots applied for within the last seven days prior to the election may have no restrictions as to who may be an authorized agent.

Vote-by-mail ballots are considered timely cast if they are received by the elections official by the 3^rd day following 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. If the ballot has no postmark or the postmark is illegible, the return ballot envelope must be signed and dated by the voter on or before Election Day.

February 3 (Election -29) Registrar of Voters

Mailed Ballots Precincts » The Registrar of Voters Office shall mail official ballots to voters residing in mailed ballot precincts beginning this date, along with a notice indicating there will be no polling place for this election. Note: Hand delivered voted ballots must be received not later than 8:00 PM on Election Day at any polling place or at the Registrar of Voters Office. Any vote by mail ballot shall be timely cast if it is received by the Registrar of Voters Office via the United States Postal Service or a bona fine private mail delivery company no later than three days after election day and either of the following is satisfied: (1) 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. (2) If the ballot has no postmark or the postmark is illegible, the ballot must be signed and dated pursuant to Section 3011 on or before Election Day.

February 3 (Election -29) Registrar of Voters

Precincts, Polling Places & Election Officers » Last date for the Registrar of Voters Office to establish all polling places and appoint precinct officers for this election. Immediately following appointments, the Registrar of Voters Office shall mail the appointment notices to the precinct officers.

February 16 to March 2 (Election -16 to -01) Candidates/Committees

Reporting of Late Contributions-Candidates for County Offices/Committees Supporting or Opposing County Candidates » All contribution(s) of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more, including contributions aggregated pursuant to Section 2-306 of the Local Campaign Ordinance, that are made to or received by a county candidate, his or her controlled committee or a committee formed or existing primarily to support or oppose a county candidate, shall be reported within twenty-four (24) hours, by personal delivery, fax, or guaranteed overnight service, if the contribution(s) were made or received before the date of the election at which the county candidate is to be voted on, but after the closing date of the last campaign statement required to be filed before the election.

February 17* (Election -15) Date Fixed by Law

Close of Registration » Last day for any qualified elector to register or re-register to vote in the upcoming election. A person, who has moved, changed his or her name or who wishes to change political party affiliation must re-register by this date.

Last day for military or overseas voters to register to vote and request a vote-by-mail ballot and to send it to the county elections official.

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

February 18 (Election -10 business days) Registrar of Voters

Process Vote by Mail Ballots » First day the Registrar of Voters Office may begin to process (open, prepare and machine read) Vote by Mail ballots for the upcoming election. No results may be released until after the polls are closed on Election Day.

February 18 (Election -14) Write-in Candidates

Write-in Candidacy » Last Day to file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy and the requisite number of signatures, if any, with the Registrar of Voters Office. Anyone who desires to be a write-in candidate and to have his or her votes counted for a particular office must file the required documents with the Registrar of Voters Office not later than 5 p.m. on this date. No filing fee is required to run as a write-in candidate. No votes will be counted for an unqualified write-in candidate in any election.

February 22* (Election -10) Registrar of Voters

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.

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

February 25 (Election -7) Registrar of Voters

Report of Registration » The Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered as of the 15^th day before the date of the primary election.

February 25 (Election -7) Voters/Registrar of Voters

Vote by Mail Ballots » 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 apply in person to obtain a Vote by Mail ballot if he or she will be unable to go to the polls on Election Day. Voters unable to request a ballot in person may designate in writing any person as an authorized agent to obtain and return the Vote by Mail ballot on their behalf.

February 25 (Election -7) Registrar of Voters

Publish Polling Places » Not later than this date the Registrar of Voters Office shall publish a notice containing the list of polling places designated for each election precinct.

February 25 (Election -7) Registrar of Voters

Post Precinct Officers and Polling Places » Not later than this date the Registrar of Voters Office shall post, at the elections office and on the official website, a list of all current polling places in each precinct and a list of precinct board members and political party affiliation appointed by the 15^th day before the election. This section does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers.

February 26 to March 3 (Election -6 to -0) Voters/Registrar of Voters

Request for Vote by Mail Ballots-Late Conditions » Period in which any voter may apply in writing for a vote-by-mail ballot if, because of specific conditions, he or she will be unable to go to the polls for an election. A written statement is not necessary if the vote-by-mail ballot is voted in the office of the elections official at the time of the request. The voter may designate any authorized representative to receive the ballot, with a written request, and return the voted vote-by-mail ballot.

March 3 (Election -0) Voters/Registrar of Voters

Election Day » Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day. Vote by Mail ballots may be returned in person or by authorized agent not later than 8:00 PM either to the Registrar of Voters Office or to any polling place in the state. The law permits a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or person residing in the same household to act as an authorized agent for returning Vote by Mail ballots. Ballots applied for within the seven days prior to the election have no restrictions as to who may be an authorized agent.

March 5 (Election +2) Registrar of Voters

Official Canvass » Last day the Registrar of Voters Office may begin the Official Canvass of the votes cast. 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 ballots cast in 1% of the precincts chosen at random by the elections official. In addition to the 1% count, the Registrar of Voters Office shall tally one additional precinct for each contest not included in the initial group of precincts.

March 6 (Election +2) Voters/Registrar of Voters

Vote-by-Mail Ballots Delivered by Mail After Election Day » Vote-by-mail ballots are considered timely cast if they are received by the elections official by the 3^rd day following the election and either the ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day or is time stamped or date stamped by a bona fide private mail delivery company on or before Election Day or, if the ballot has no postmark, a postmark with no date, or an illegible postmark, the vote by mail ballot identification envelope is date stamped by the elections official upon receipt and is signed and dated by the voter on or before Election Day.

March 31 (Election +28) Registrar of Voters

Post Precinct Officers and Polling Places » 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. This does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers.

April 2

(Election +30) Registrar of Voters

Completion of Canvass » No later than this date, the county elections official must complete the canvass, certify its results, and submit it to the board of supervisors.

Declare Candidates Elected » Upon receipt of the Certification of Results from the Registrar of Voters Office, the governing body shall meet to adopt the certification. For all county and local offices, the Registrar of Voters Office shall prepare and deliver to each person elected a Certificate of Election.

April 10 (Election +38) Office of Secretary of State

Statement of the Vote » Last day for the Secretary of State to compile results from all counties and issue Certificates of Nomination or Election to successful candidates for United States Senator, Representative in Congress, and Members of the State Senate and Assembly.

July 31 (Date fixed by law)  Candidates/Committees

Semi-Annual Campaign Statement Due » Last day to file semiannual campaign statements, if required, by all candidates, organizations, committees, and slate mailers.

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