• Introduction
• Where to File
• Filing Deadlines
• Candidate Filing Matrix
• Candidate Filing Documents
• Office Terms

This page provides information and forms for candidates interested in running for elective office in Sonoma County. The content is provided as a convenience and is not guaranteed to be correct. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure they have the correct forms and file with the correct agency.

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To run for state, county, and most school or special district offices, file at the Registrar of Voters Office.  To run for city/town offices, file with your city/town clerk.

Not Sure Which Jurisdictions You Reside In?

No problem! Find out by using our District & Elected Official Lookup tool. Most offices require you to live in the district.

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Filing deadlines are election-specific and can be found on the Timeline Calendar of each election page.  Most seats go up for election in one of the following elections:

• Odd-year Uniform District Elections held in November
• Even-year Primary Elections held at different times, but usually March or June
• Even-year General Elections held in November

A detailed Campaign Guide and Calendar of Events is released approximately four to six months prior to these types of elections. If you want information earlier, it can be helpful to refer to Campaign Guides from prior elections.

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Required Documents

Additional Documents Provided

* Required campaign statements depend on the amount of money a candidate plans to raise or spend (excluding personal funds used for the filing fee and/or fee for the Statement of Qualifications)

• Raising/Spending $0: Form 470 (except central committee candidates)
• Raising/Spending $0.01 - $1,999.99: Form 470 & Form 501
• Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more: Form 410 & Form 501 (as well as Form 460 by reporting deadlines -- see FPPC filing schedule)

See Campaign Finance page for more information

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• Campaign Finance Statements
  • Required campaign statements depend on the amount of money a candidate plans to raise or spend (excluding personal funds used for the filing fee and/or fee for the Statement of Qualifications)
  • Form 470 Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement — Short Form and Form 470 Supplement(PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $0 - $1,999.99 (except central committee candidates)
  • Form 501 Candidate Intention Statement(PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $0.01 or more
  • Form 410 Statement of Organization Recipient Committee(PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more
  • Form 460 Recipient Committee Campaign Statement(PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more
    • Deadlines can be found on the FPPC Filing Schedule
• Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)(PDF)
• Declaration of Candidacy (in office only)
• Candidate Information Sheet(PDF)
• Declaration of Intention (judicial candidates only; in office only after payment of filing fee if applicable)
• Statement of Qualifications (optional)
  • Local Offices(PDF)
  • State / Federal Offices(PDF)
• Ballot Designation Worksheet(PDF)
• Nomination Petition (in office only, after payment of filing fee if applicable)
• Code of Fair Campaign Practices(PDF) (optional)
• Government Code §84305 Notice(PDF)
• Campaign Guide ( election-specific; only available for November elections and even-year primary elections) 
• Contribution Limits
  
  • Sonoma County Campaign Contribution Limits(PDF)
    • This document only applies to County offices like Supervisor, District Attorney, Sheriff/Coroner, etc. For more detailed information, visit the Sonoma County Campaign Contribution Ordinance section of our Campaign Finance page.
  • For city/town offices, contact the relevant city/town clerk to find out if there are any any applicable municipal laws restricting campaign contributions.

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