June 7, 2022, Election

Campaign Guide

Calendar of Events

Overview

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, 
Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters

Holiday Schedule

A list of holidays observed by the County of Sonoma in 2022 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.

Top

Events

Date variable

Candidates (Before candidate raises any money)

Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501)

Prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan, or the expenditure of any personal funds, 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). Similarly, prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan, or the expenditure of any personal funds, 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 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 are 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.

Individuals (W/in 24 hours of individuals making an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more in support or in opposition to a county candidate)

Verification of Independent Expenditures

Any person who makes independent expenditures in support of or in opposition to a 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.

January 2, 2022*

Secretary of State (6 Days After State Redistricting Deadline)

Notice of Offices for Which Candidates Are to Be Nominated

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 held.

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

January 3 to February 9, 2022

Candidates for All Offices Other Than County Supervisor (7 Days After Redistricting Deadline to E-118)

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees (Candidates for All Offices Other Than County Supervisor)

Between these dates, a candidate for any office other than county supervisor 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 (or, in the case of judicial candidates, their Declaration of Intention). Signatures may also be applied to the nomination signature requirements for the office if filed during this period.

January 4, 2022

Registrar of Voters(E-154)

Report of Registration

The Registrar of Voters Office shall prepare a summary statement of the number of voters registered in the County as of this date to be submitted to the Secretary of State on the 135th day before the direct primary election.

January 10, 2022

Governor (E-148)

Governor'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 board of supervisors of each county.

January 11 to February 9, 2022

Candidates for County Supervisor (28 Days After Adoption of Final Supervisorial Map to E-118)

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees (Candidates for County Supervisor)

Between these dates, a candidate for county supervisor 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.

January 23, 2022

Registrar of Voters(E-135)

Report of Registration

On this date, the Registrar of Voters Office shall send to the Secretary of State a summary statement of the number of voters registered in the County as of the 154th day before the direct primary election.

January 27, 2022

Secretary of State (E-131)

Legislative 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 the Legislature.

January 31, 2022

Candidates/Committees (Date fixed by law)

Semi-Annual Campaign Statement Due

All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the June 7, 2022, Statewide Direct Primary Election, must file a semi-annual statement no later than January 31, 2022, for the period beginning July 1, 2021 (or from the date of last filing), and ending December 31, 2021.

January 31 to February 9, 2022

Judicial Candidates (E-127 to E-118)

Declaration of Intention

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 p.m. on the first day for filing nomination papers.

February 2, 2022

Secretary of State (E-125)

Notice of Qualified Political 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.

Registrar of Voters (E-125)

Precinct Boundary Changes

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

February 9, 2022

Judicial Candidates (E-118)

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees Deadline (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. Circulators of an in-lieu-filing-fee petition shall be 18 years of age or older.

Judicial Candidates (E-118)

Declaration of Intention Deadline (Judicial Candidates)

Last day candidates for judicial offices may file a Declaration of Intention to run for office (unless an incumbent, eligible to be elected, fails to file).

Non-Judicial Candidates (E-118)

Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fees Deadline (Non-Judicial Candidates)

Last day candidates for non-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 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.

February 10 to February 14, 2022

Judicial Candidates (E-117 to E-113)

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 p.m. 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 p.m. 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.

February 14 to March 11, 2022

Candidates (E-113 to E-88)

Nomination Period

Period for filing nomination documents for all candidates for the Statewide Direct Primary Election.

U.S. Representative and State Legislative Candidates (E-113 to E-88)

Statement of Qualifications – U.S. Representative and State Legislative Candidates

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.

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.

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 §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.

March 9 to June 7, 2022

Candidates/Committees (E-90 to E-Day)

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 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.

March 11, 2022

Governing Bodies(E-88)

Consolidation Order -- Measures

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, 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).

Candidates for U.S. House, State Senate, & State Assembly (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.

Candidates for Local Nonpartisan Offices (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).

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 determined that March 18 (E-81) 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 Government Coder §6061.

City Clerk/Registrar of Voters (E-88)

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 March 18 (E-81) shall be the date when all impartial analyses are due.

Registrar of Voters (E-88)

Request for Fiscal Impact Statement (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 March 18 (E-81) shall be the date when all Fiscal Impact Statements are due.

Registrar of Voters (E-88)

Deadline to Determine Required Number of Drop Box and Vote Centers

By this date, the Registrar of Voters Office must calculate the number of official ballot drop boxes and Vote Centers required for the upcoming election.

March 12* to March 16, 2022

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.

March 12* to March 21, 2022

Public/Registrar of Voters (E-87 to E-78)

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.

March 12*, 2022

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)

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

March 16, 2022

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.

Elections Code §9605

March 17, 2022

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 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

March 17 to March 26, 2022

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.”

March 18, 2022

Proponents/Opponents (E-81)

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-81)

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-81)

Fiscal Impact Statement (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 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.

March 19 to March 28, 2022

Public/Registrar of Voters (E-80 to E-71)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-81

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-81 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 impact statements 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.”

March 25, 2022

Proponents/Opponents (E-74)

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).

March 26 to April 4, 2022

Public/Registrar of Voters (E-73 to E-64)

Public Examination Period – Election Materials Due On E-74

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-74 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.”

March 31, 2022

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.

April 8, 2022

Registrar of Voters(E-60)

First Day to Mail Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters

First date the Registrar of Voters Office may begin transmitting ballots by mail, fax, or email, to active military or overseas voters.

Registrar of Voters(E-60)

Report of Registration

The Registrar of Voters Office shall prepare a summary statement of the number of voters registered in the County as of this date to be submitted to the Secretary of State not less than 50 days before the primary election.

April 11 to May 24, 2022

Write-In Candidates (E-57 to E-14)

Write-In Period

Period when nomination documents for write-in candidates may be obtained from and delivered to the Registrar of Voters Office. 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.

April 18, 2022

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 in the County as of the 60th day before the primary election.

April 23, 2022

Registrar of Voters(E-45)

Deadline to Mail Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters Who Have Requested Them by This Date

By this date, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit ballots by mail, fax, or email, to all active military or overseas voters who have requested them by this date.

April 28, 2022

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 January 1, 2022 through April 23, 2022 (E-45).

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).

April 28 to May 17, 2022

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. 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 the election as well as information about where they can obtain the County Voter Information Guide.

May 9, 2022

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. Vote-by-Mail ballots must be returned by mail, dropped off at the Registrar of Voters Office, taken to any vote center open on or before Election Day, or deposited 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 seven 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, drop box, or vote center 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 all active, registered voters in the election.

Registrar of Voters (E-29)

Vote-by-Mail Envelope 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)

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Processing

Any jurisdiction having the necessary computer capability may start to process Vote-by-Mail ballots on the 29th 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

May 22, 2022

Candidates/Committees (E-16)

Reporting of Late Contributions (W/in 24 hours of making or receiving any contribution of $500 or more in support or in opposition to a county candidate)

 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.

May 23, 2022

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. 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 vote center in the County.

Note that the only time political party changes impact the type of ballot a voter gets is in presidential primaries.

May 24, 2022

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 who have not filed will not be counted.

May 24 to June 7, 2022

Registrar of Voters (E-14 to E-Day)

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 vote center in the county on or before 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.

May 26, 2022

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 April 24, 2022 (E-44) through May 21, 2022 (E-17).

May 28, 2022*

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.

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

May 31, 2022

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E-7)

Last day ballots will be mailed to voters

Last day for the Registrar of Voters Office to mail out ballots. After this date, any voter may still apply in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or any open Vote Center to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot. 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.

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 is placed on the ballot, 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 vote centers. Publication shall be pursuant to Government Code §6061.

June 1 to June 7, 2022

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

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 (1) never received or do not have the original Vote-by-Mail ballot that was mailed to them, and (2) are unable to go to a voting location 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.

June 7, 2022

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, any official voting location or drop box 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 seven days.

June 9, 2022

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.

June 14, 2022

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E+7)

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 no later than seven days after 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

July 7, 2022

Registrar of Voters/Governing Body (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 each local governing body participating in the election within 30 days of the 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.

July 15, 2022

Secretary of State (E+38)

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, United States Representative in Congress, State Senator, and Member of the State Assembly.

July 31, 2022

Candidates/Committees (Date fixed by law)

Semi-Annual Campaign Statement Due

Candidates, All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the June 7, 2022, Statewide Direct Primary Election, must file a semi-annual statement no later than July 31, 2022, for the period beginning January 1, 2022 (or from the date of last filing), and ending June 30, 2022.

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