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County Of Sonoma › Administrative Support & Fiscal Services › Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters › Registrar of Voters › Elections › March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election: Calendar of Events

March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election: Calendar of Events

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Overview

The following calendar is intended to serve as a general reference for candidates running for office in Sonoma County in the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election. It is distributed with the understanding that the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office is not guaranteeing all the information is correct or rendering legal advice. The calendar does not have the force or effect of law, regulation, or rule. In the case of a conflict, the law, regulation, or rule shall take precedence.

County Holiday Schedule

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

Date	County Holiday
November 10, 2023	Veterans Day
November 23, 2023	Thanksgiving Day
November 24, 2023	Day After Thanksgiving
December 25, 2023	Christmas Day
January 1, 2024	New Year's Day
January 15, 2024	Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 12, 2024	Lincoln's Birthday
February 19, 2024	Presidents' Day
April 1, 2024	César Chávez Day

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Events

Note: Assume any usage of the term “Registrar of Voters” is synonymous with “Sonoma County Registrar of Voters” and that all times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Dates Variable

Candidates (Before Raising 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 non-federal 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.

▶ FPPC Campaign Disclosure Manual 2, Chapter 1; Government Code § 85200

Candidates (Before $2,000 or More Is Raised)

CAMPAIGN BANK ACCOUNT/STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION (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.

▶ FPPC Campaign Disclosure Manual 2, Chapter 1; Government Code §§ 84101, 85201

Committees (Within 10 Days of Making an Independent Expenditure of $1,000 or More to Support or Oppose a Single Candidate or Ballot Measure)

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 a Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462) within ten 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 opponent), and that the committee will report all contributions and reimbursements as required by law.

▶ FPPC Campaign Disclosure Manual 2, Chapter 10; Government Code § 84213

Individual Contributors (Within 24 Hours of 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 Registrar of Voters and all candidates running for the same seat -- by telegram, facsimile, or by any other electronic means accepted by the Registrar of Voters -- within twenty-four (24) hours each time such an expenditure is made.

▶ Sonoma County Ordinance Number 5231 §2, 2000

September 14 to November 8, 2023

Candidates for Voter-Nominated and Nonpartisan Offices (E-173 to E-118)

SIGNATURES-IN-LIEU OF FILING FEES

Between these dates, a candidate for any voter-nominated or nonpartisan office may obtain signatures-in-lieu forms and/or file them with the Registrar of Voters Office in lieu of paying all or a part of the non-refundable filing fee. Signatures may also be applied to the nomination signature requirements for the office.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8061, 8106

September 29, 2023

Secretary of State (E-158)

NOTICE OF OFFICES FOR WHICH CANDIDATES ARE TO BE NOMINATED

At least 158 days before the direct primary, the Secretary of State shall send to each county elections official 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.

▶ Elections Code § § 12103

September 29 to December 8, 2023

Candidates for County Central Committee Offices (E-158 to E-88)

NOMINATION PERIOD

Period during which candidates for County Central Committee offices must file nomination documents, including a Declaration of Candidacy, at the Registrar of Voters Office, 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding County holidays). Nomination documents must be filed in person, by designated representative, or by certified mail (PO Box 11485, Santa Rosa, CA 95406), and received no later than close of business on E-88 (December 8, 2023). Candidates who do not appear in person to file nomination documents bear the responsibility of any errors or omissions that could affect their candidacy.

▶ Elections Code §§ 333, 7225, 7227, 7422, 7670, 7672, 7750, 7770, 7772, 7901, 7914, 8020, 8040, 8041, 8062-8064, 8100, 8104

October 9, 2023

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.

▶ Elections Code § §12000

October 26, 2023

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.

▶ Elections Code § 9040

October 30 to November 8, 2023

Candidates for Superior Court Judge Offices(E-127 to E-118)

DECLARATION OF INTENTION PERIOD

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 nonrefundable filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu, or any combination thereof, at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention. Checks should be made payable to the Registrar of Voters.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8023, 8105(b)

November 1, 2023

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.

▶ Elections Code § 12103

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.

▶ Elections Code § 12262

November 8, 2023

Candidates for Voter-Nominated and Nonpartisan Offices (E-118)

SIGNATURES-IN-LIEU OF FILING FEES DEADLINE

Last day a candidate for any voter-nominated or nonpartisan office may obtain signatures-in-lieu forms and/or file them with the Registrar of Voters Office in lieu of paying all or a part of the non-refundable filing fee. Signatures may also be applied to the nomination signature requirements for the office.

Candidates must either pay the filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu (or any combination thereof) prior to filing the Declaration of Intention (for Superior Court Judge offices) or obtaining their nomination forms (for non-Superior Court Judge offices).

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. The Registrar of Voters shall then, 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8061, 8062, 8105(b), 8106

Candidates for Superior Court Judge Offices (E-118)

DEADLINE TO FILE DECLARATION OF INTENTION

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). Candidates must either pay the nonrefundable filing fee or submit sufficient face value signatures-in-lieu, or any combination thereof, at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention. Checks should be made payable to the Registrar of Voters.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8023, 8105(b)

November 9 to November 13, 2023

Candidates for Superior Court Judge Offices/ (E-117 to E-113)

DECLARATION OF INTENTION EXTENSION PERIOD

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 on E-118 (November 8, 2023), 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 (November 13, 2023). The nonrefundable filing fee (or portion of the nonrefundable filing fee remaining after submitting signatures-in-lieu of filing fees on November 8, 2023) must be paid at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention. Checks should be made payable to the Registrar of Voters.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8023, 8105(b)

November 13, 2023

Candidates for Superior Court Judge Offices That Went Into Extended Declaration of Intention Period (E-113)

DEADLINE TO FILE DECLARATION OF INTENTION DURING EXTENSION PERIOD

Last day candidates for Superior Court Judge offices in the extended filing period may file a Declaration of Intention by 5:00 p.m. The nonrefundable filing fee (or portion of the nonrefundable filing fee remaining after submitting signatures-in-lieu of filing fees on E-118 [November 8, 2023]) must be paid at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention. Checks should be made payable to the Registrar of Voters.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8023, 8105(b)

November 13 to December 8, 2023

Candidates (Except Central Committee Candidates) (E-113 to E-88)

NOMINATION PERIOD

Period during which candidates for all offices other than County Central Committee must file nomination documents, including a Declaration of Candidacy, at the Registrar of Voters Office, 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding County holidays). Nomination documents must be filed in person, by designated representative, or by certified mail (PO Box 11485, Santa Rosa, CA 95406), and received no later than 5 p.m. on E-88 (December 8, 2023). Candidates who do not appear in person to file nomination documents bear the responsibility of any errors or omissions that could affect their candidacy. No candidate who has filed a Declaration of Candidacy shall withdraw after close of business on E-88 (December 8, 2023).

▶ Elections Code §§ 8022, 8024, 8204, 8800, 8801, 10407

Candidates (Except Central Committee Candidates) (E-113 to E-88)

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Period during which candidates for all offices other than County Central Committee have the option of filing a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide at the time his or her nomination documents are filed. The statement will be printed at the candidate’s expense and may not make any reference to any opponent. Exact rules and requirements vary by office. See the Candidate Statements section of the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election, Campaign Guide, for more details.

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 (or extended nominations). All statements remain confidential until the close of the nomination (or extended nomination) period.

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

▶ Elections Code §§ 13307 et seq., § 18351

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (E-113 to E-88)

CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

Any candidate for non-federal office (other than County Central Committee) 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 raises contributions of $2,000 or more in a calendar year (including candidatges for County Central Committee) must open a bank account and submit a Statement of Organization (Form 410). For more details, refer to the CAMPAIGN BANK ACCOUNT/STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION (FORM 410) entry in the “Dates Variable” section of this Calendar of Events.

Any candidate who has already filed a Form 470 because they did not originally plan receive $2,000 or more in a calendar year but whose plans change and now does intend to receive $2,000 or more in a calendar year shall do the following:

Establish a campaign account before the $2,000 expenditure threshold is reached.
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.
Complete and send an original Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470) Supplement to the Secretary of State’s Office, the Registrar of Voters Office, and each other 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.

▶ FPPC Campaign Disclosure Manual 2, Chapter 1; Government Code §§ 84101 et seq., 84206, 85201

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices Offices (Except Central Committee Candidates) (E-113 to E-88)

STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS (FORM 700)

Any candidate for non-federal office (other than County Central Committee) must file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) no 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.

▶ Government Code §§ 87200 et seq., 87302.3, 87500

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (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 official 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 20400 et seq.

December 6, 2023, to March 5, 2024

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (E-90 to E-Day)

90-DAY REPORTING PERIOD FOR LATE CONTRIBUTIONS & INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

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.

▶ Government Code §§ 82036 et seq., 84203 et seq., 85204, 85309, 85500

December 8, 2023

Candidates/Registrar of Voters (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE OR WITHDRAW NOMINATION DOCUMENTS

All nomination documents must be filed or withdrawn no later than 5 p.m. on this date.

Required Documents: Declaration of Candidacy; Ballot Designation Worksheet; Statement of Economic Interests (except Central Committee candidates or candidates for federal offices).
Optional Documents: Code of Fair Campaign Practices (except candidates for federal offices); Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications (except Central Committee candidates).

This is also the recommended date for candidates for non-federal offices 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) (except Central Committee candidates).

▶ Elections Code §§ 8020, 8063, 8801, 10220, 10407, 13107; Government Code § 87201

Candidates(E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Last day any candidate for may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide (except when offices have gone into the extended nomination period).

▶ Elections Code §§ 13307 et seq., 18351

Local Agency Governing Bodies (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE 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.

▶ Education Code § 5322; Elections Code §§ 9051(b), 10402, 10403, 13247

School Governing Boards (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE TAX RATE STATEMENT FOR SCHOOL BOND MEASURES

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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 9400 et seq.

Registrar of Voters/City Clerk (E-88)

REQUEST FOR IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS

Whenever a school, county, or special district measure qualifies for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure text to 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.

▶ Elections Code § 9160

Registrar of Voters (E-88)

DEADLINE TO DETERMINE REQUIRED NUMBER OF OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP BOXES AND VOTE CENTERS

By this date, the Registrar of Voters must calculate the number of Official Ballot Drop Boxes and Vote Centers required for the upcoming election.

▶ Elections Code §§ 4005(a)(1)(A), 4005(a)(3)(A), 4005(a)(4)(A)

December 9 to December 14, 2023

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 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.

In the case of the office of Superior Court Judge, if an incumbent timely filed a Declaration of Intention but failed to file a Declaration of Candidacy by 5 p.m. on E-88, any person other than the incumbent who is otherwise qualified shall have five calendar days (until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election) to file a Declaration of Candidacy -- even if that person never filed a Declaration of Intention.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8022, 8204(a), 10225, 10407, 10510, 10516

December 9 to December 18, 2023

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

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88

The Registrar of Voters 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, 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313

December 11, 2023

Candidates for Offices Not Going Into Extension(Next Working Day After E-88)

DEADLINE TO WITHDRAW STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

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)

Registrar of Voters (E-85)

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.

▶ Elections Code § 13116

December 13, 2023

Candidates for Offices That Went Into Extension/Registrar of Voters (E-83)

DEADLINE FOR EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD

All nomination documents for candidates for offices that went into extension must be filed or withdrawn no later than 5 p.m. on this date. For more details, refer to the DEADLINE TO FILE OR WITHDRAW NOMINATION DOCUMENTS entry in the “E-88” section of this Calendar of Events.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8020, 8063, 8801, 10220, 10407, 13107; Government Code § 87201

Governing Boards (E-83)

DEADLINE TO 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

December 14, 2023

Candidates for Offices That Went Into Extension (Next Working Day After E-83)

DEADLINE TO WITHDRAW STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

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

▶ Elections Code § 13307(a)(3)

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.

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

▶ Elections Code §§ 13111, 13112

December 14 to December 23, 2023

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

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR 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, refer to the PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88 entry in the “E-87 to E-78” section of this Calendar of Events.

▶ Elections Code § 13313

December 15, 2023

Proponents/Opponents (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ARGUMENTS FOR/AGAINST LOCAL MEASURES

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters has set this date as the deadline for proponents/opponents of any school, county, or special district measure to file arguments. Arguments must be filed in the Registrar of Voters Office not later than 5 p.m. on this date. (Suggested deadline for proponents/opponents of city measures to file arguments with the city clerk. Check with city clerk for details.)

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).

▶ Elections Code §§ 9162, 9163, 9282, 9286, 9315, 9316, 9501, 9502, 9600

County Counsel /City Attorney (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS FOR LOCAL MEASURES

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters has set this date as the deadline for County Counsel to transmit to an impartial analysis of each school, county, and special district measure showing the effect of the measure on existing law. (Suggested deadline for City Attorney to transmit an impartial analysis of a city measure to the City Clerk. Check with City Clerk for details.)

The analysis shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide along with the County Auditor’s Fiscal Analysis (only applicable to county measures for which such an analysis was requested by the Board of Supervisors) and arguments/rebuttals for/against the measure (if submitted). The Impartial Analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

▶ Elections Code §§ 9160, 9280, 9313, 9500

County Auditor (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR COUNTY MEASURES

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters has set this date as the deadline for the County Auditor -- if so directed by the Board of Supervisors -- to transmit a Fiscal Impact Statement for any county measure. This analysis/statement estimates 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/rebuttals for/against the measure (if submitted). The Fiscal Impact Statement shall not exceed 500 words.

▶ Elections Code § 9160

December 16 to December 25*, 2023

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

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 9190, 9295, 9380, 9509

*Since December 25, 2023, is a holiday, use December 26 instead.

December 18, 2023

Write-In Candidates for Superior Court Judge (E-78)

DEADLINE FOR WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE TO FILE PETITION

If any county or judicial district in which only the incumbent has filed nomination documents for the office of Superior Court Judge, their 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.

▶ Elections Code § 8203(a)

December 22, 2023

Proponents/Opponents (E-74)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR LOCAL MEASURES

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters has set this date as the deadline for proponents/opponents of any school, county, or special district measure to file rebuttal arguments. Rebuttals must be filed in the Registrar of Voters Office not later than 5 p.m. on this date (Suggested deadline for proponents/opponents of city measures to file rebuttals with the City Clerk. Check with City Clerk for details.)

Rebuttal arguments are only permitted if both an argument in favor and an argument against the measure were filed by E-81. 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). 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).

▶ Elections Code §§ 9167, 9285, 9317, 9504, 9600

December 23, 2023, to January 1*, 2024

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

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 9190, 9295, 9380, 9509

*Since January, 1, 2024, is a holiday, use January 2, 2024, instead.

December 28, 2023

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

DEATH OF A CANDIDATE

Whenever a candidate for a special district office 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 at least 68 days before the election.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8803, 8810

January 5, 2024

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.

▶ Elections Code § 3105(b)(1)

January 8 to February 20, 2024

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.

Write-in candidates for the office of Superior Court judge must have already filed a petition by E-78 indicating they intend to conduct a write-in campaign.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8062(a)(3), 8203, 8600, 8601

January 20, 2024

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. Although this date falls on a Saturday, it does not get pushed back to the next business day because it is a federal deadline.

▶ Elections Code § 3105(b)(1)

January 25, 2024

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (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, 2024, through January 20, 2024 (E-45).

▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(a)

Candidates Non-Federal Offices (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).

▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(a)

January 31, 2024

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (Date Fixed by Law)

SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS DUE

All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election, shall file a semi-annual statement no later than January 31, 2024, for the period beginning July 1, 2023 (or from the date of last filing), and ending December 31, 2023.

▶ Government Code §§ 84200, 84218

February 5, 2024

Registrar of Voters (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP

First day voters can pick up 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 Ballot Drop 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 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 3001, 3003, 3011, 3017, 3020, 3021

Registrar of Voters (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS GO OUT IN THE MAIL TO ALL ACTIVE REGISTERED VOTERS

Date by which the Registrar of Voters must begin mailing official ballots to all active registered voters in the election The elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who registered to vote on the 29th day before the day of the election.

▶ Elections Code §§ 3000.5, 3001, 3005

Registrar of Voters (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL ENVELOPE SIGNATURE VERIFICATION

The Registrar of Voters 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 and updating voter history records.

▶ Elections Code §§ 3019, 15101

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.

▶ Elections Code § 15101(b)

February 6 to March 5, 2024

Registrar of Voters (E-28 to E-Day)

OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP BOXES OPEN

Official Ballot Drop Boxes are open from February 6, 2024, until March 5, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. Go to Where to Vote or Drop Off Your Ballot or call the Registrar of Voters Office for exact locations/times.

▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)(1)(A)

February 13, 2024

Registrar of Voters (E-21)

DEADLINE TO MAIL COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION GUIDES

Deadline for the Registrar of Voters Office to mail County Voter Information Guides to all voters who are registered to vote on or before the 29th day before the election (excluding voters who have voluntarily opted out of receiving paper copies of such guides). Any voter who registered to vote after the 29th day before the election will be mailed a notice of the election as well as information about where they can obtain the County Voter Information Guide.

▶ Elections Code §§ 13303, 13304, 13306

February 19, 2024

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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 2102, 2115, 2116, 2152

February 20, 2024

Write-In Candidates (E-14)

DEADLINE TO FILE TO BECOME A QUALIFIED WRITE-IN CANDIDATE

Last day for individuals wishing to become qualified write-in candidates for special district offices to file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy. The Statement must be filed at the Registrar of Voters 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 by this date will not be counted.

▶ Elections Code § 8601

February 20 to March 5, 2024

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 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.

▶ Elections Code § 2170

October 26, 2023

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (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 January 21, 2024 (E-44), through February 17, 2024 (E-17).

▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(b)

October 28, 2023

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.

▶ Elections Code § 12109

Registrar of Voters (E-10)

MAILING NON-ENGLISH FACSIMILE BALLOTS

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

▶ Elections Code § 13400

February 24 to March 5, 2024

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E-10 to E-Day)

11-DAY VOTE CENTERS ARE OPEN

Period during which a limited number of Vote Centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Election Day, March 5, 2024, when they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Go to Where to Vote or Drop Off Your Ballot or call the Registrar of Voters Office for exact locations.

▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)(4)(A)

February 27, 2024

Registrar of Voters (E-7)

LAST DAY VOTE-BY-MAIL 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 3001, 3003, 3102

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 in a newspaper of general circulation. The notice shall be titled “Measure To Be Voted On.”

▶ Elections Code § 12111; Government Code § 6061

Registrar of Voters (E-7)

NOTICE OF POLLING PLACES/VOTE CENTERS

The Registrar of Voters Office shall not less than one week before the election publish a notice containing the list of Vote Centers in a newspaper of general circulation.

▶ Elections Code § 12105

February 28 to March 5, 2024

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.

▶ Elections Code § 3021

March 2 to March 5, 2024

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E-3 to E-Day)

4-DAY VOTE CENTERS OPEN

Period during which numerous additional Vote Centers (on top of the 11-Day Vote Centers) are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Election Day, March 5, 2024, when they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Go to Where to Vote or Drop Off Your Ballot or call the Registrar of Voters Office for exact locations.

▶ Elections Code § 4005 (a)(4)(B)

March 5, 2024

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E-Day)

ELECTION DAY

Both 11-day and 4-day Vote Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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 Vote Center in the State, or any official Ballot Drop Box in the State. Go to Where to Vote or Drop Off Your Ballot or call the Registrar of Voters Office for exact locations.

▶ Elections Code §§ 4005(a), 3017, 3020, 3021, 10541, 14212

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E-Day)

DEADLINE FOR VOTERS TO MAIL VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

Vote-by-Mail ballots must be returned in the mail and postmarked by this date and received within seven days in order to be counted.

▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)

Registrar of Voters (E-Day)

Official Ballot Drop Boxes Close

Official Ballot Drop Boxes are closed and locked by elections staff at 8:00 p.m.

▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)(1)(A)

March 7, 2024

Registrar of Voters (E+2)

DEADLINE TO COMMENCE 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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 335.5, 362, 15301, 15360

March 12, 2024

Voters/Registrar of Voters (E+7)

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS POSTMARKED ON/BEFORE 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, March 5, 2024 (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 on or before Election Day, March 5, 2024.

▶ Elections Code §§ 3011, 3020(b)

April 4, 20243

Registrar of Voters/Governing Bodies (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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 15372, 15400, 15401

April 12, 2024

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.

▶ Elections Code §§ 8147, 15501, 15504

July 31, 2024

Candidates for Non-Federal Offices (Date Fixed by Law)

SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN STATEMENT DUE

All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election, shall file a semi-annual statement no later than July 31, 2024, for the period beginning January 1, 2024 (or from the date of last filing) and ending June 30, 2024

▶ Government Code §§ 84200, 84218

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