Candidate Guide

Lynda Roberts, Registrar of Voters, Elections

Candidate Guide

Statewide Direct Primary Election June 5, 2018

This guide gives you information about candidate forms, fees, requirements, and deadlines for the June 5, 2018, Statewide Primary Election. You can find more election information under the election schedule section on our website.

The nomination process can be complicated and the filing deadlines are rigid. It is a good idea to file your candidate paperwork early. Otherwise, you may not have enough time to correct any mistakes before the deadline.

If you have questions about your candidacy or the information in this guide, please contact Dan Miller.

Important! The Candidate Guide provides general information about the nomination and election of candidates. It does not have the force and effect of law, regulation, or rule.

The Registrar of Voters does not provide legal advice and this guide is not intended to provide legal advice. Any person, organization or candidate using this guide may not rely on it as a substitute to seeking legal counsel. Statutes and regulations change and are updated on a frequent basis; therefore, the guidelines provided in this booklet may not reflect the most current state of the law.

Common Questions

Common Questions & Answers

Important Dates

	# of days before election ↓
Dec 14 thru Feb 7, 2018 Signature-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period	173–118	This Signature-In-Lieu filing period deadline applies to all candidate offices required to pay a filing fee. EC §§ 8061, 8105 & 8106
Jan 29 thru Feb 7, 2018 Superior Court offices Declaration of Intention	127–118	All judicial candidates including incumbent judges must file a Declaration of Intention no later than Feb. 7th. Candidates for Superior Court offices must also pay the filing fee when the Declaration of Intention is filed. EC § 8023
Feb 8 thru Feb 12, 2018 Superior Court offices Declaration of Intention Extension period	117–113	Extension period applies only if an incumbent Superior Court Judge does not file the Declaration of Intention by Feb. 7th. Incumbent judges may not file during this period. EC § 8023(b)
February 12, 2018 Nomination period opens for all candidates	113	Candidates must pick up nomination documents at the Marin County Elections Department. *City and Town Council candidates* must pick up and file nomination documents at their City/Town Clerk’s office.(Some cities charge a filing fee.)
March 9, 2018 Nomination period closes	88	Deadline for all candidates and incumbents to file all required and optional documents, or withdraw as a candidate.
Mar 10 thru Mar 19, 2018 Public review of candidate statements	87–78	During this period voters can get copies of candidate statements filed for offices closed for nomination, or file a Writ of Mandate in Superior Court. EC § 13313
Mar 10 thru Mar 14, 2018 Extended nomination period begins	87–83	The nomination period will remain open if an incumbent does not file by the March 9th deadline. *Incumbents may not file during this period.*
Mar 15 thru Mar 24, 2018 Public review of candidate statements filed in extended nomination period	82–73	During this period voters can get copies of candidate statements filed for offices with extended nominations, or file a Writ of Mandate in Superior Court. EC § 13313
March 15, 2018 Random alphabet drawing	82	The Secretary of State conducts a random drawing to decide the order of candidate names on the ballot. The Registrar of Voters draws the random alphabet for State Assembly and State Senate candidates for the Marin County ballot. EC § 13313
April 6, 2018 Overseas & Military Ballots	60	Marin County Elections Department starts mailing ballots to overseas and military voters.
Apr 9 thru May 22, 2018 Write-in candidates	57–14	Write-In Candidates pick up and file your papers at the Marin County Elections Department. *City & Town Council write-in candidates* must pick up and file papers with their respective City/Town Clerk’s office. EC § 8601
April 26, 2018 Voter Information Guide Mailing	40	Marin County Elections Department starts mailing County Voter Information Guides to all registered voters in the county.
April 26, 2018 Campaign finance	40	Candidates must have filed at least 1 campaign finance statement by this date regardless of their level of activity.
May 7, 2018 Vote-by-Mail ballots	29	Marin County Elections Department starts mailing vote-by-mail ballots to all vote-by-mail voters in the county. Any Marin County voter may apply for a ballot and vote at the Elections Department starting on this date.
May 21, 2018 Voter Registration deadline Exception as noted	15	This is the last day to register to vote for this election. If voters miss the registration deadline for this election, they can come into the Elections Department to register and vote on the same day beginning May 22nd.
May 24, 2018 Campaign finance	12	Candidates who have campaign finance committees must report all financial activity from the date of their last statement through 5/19/18.
June 5, 2018 Election Day	0	Marin County Elections Department and the polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Date to be determined Manual Tally	TBD	At 9 a.m., Marin County Elections Department randomly selects 1% of the precincts to count votes by hand (manual tally).
July 5, 2018 Election certification	+30	The deadline for the Marin County Elections Department to certify the county’s election results. EC § 15372

Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday move to the next business day.

Offices Open

Offices Open for Nomination

Offices Open
- Voter Nominated Offices – Federal
  - U. S. Representative in Congress, 2nd District
    - One seat, Two year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 40-60
    - Filling Fee: $1740.00
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.87
    - Qualifications:
      - must be at least 25 years of age,
      - a U.S. citizen for seven years,
      - and a resident of California on January 3, 2019, the date he or she would be sworn into office if elected. U.S. Const., art. I, §2, 20th Amend
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - United States Senator
    - One seat, Six year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
    - Filling Fee: $3,480.00
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.497143
    - Qualifications:
      - must be at least 30 years of age,
      - a U.S. citizen for nine years,
      - and a resident of California on January 3, 2019, the date he or she would be sworn into office if elected. U.S. Const., art. I, §3, 20th Amend §1
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
- Voter Nominated Offices – State
  - State Senator 2nd District
    - One seat, Four year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 40-60
    - Filling Fee: $1,072.42
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.536210
    - Qualifications:
      - be a U.S. citizen.Cal. Const. art. IV, §2(c)
      - be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
      - not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
      - adhere to term limit rules pursuant to: Cal. Const. art. IV, §2(a)
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - State Assembly 10th District
    - One seat, Two year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 40-60
    - Filling Fee: $1,072.42
    - Value of Each Signature: $1.072420
    - Qualifications:
      - be a U.S. citizen.Cal. Const. art. IV, §2(c)
      - be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
      - not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
      - adhere to term limit rules pursuant to: Cal. Const. art. IV, §2(a)
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - State Constitutional Offices
    - Governor
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $3,916.12
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.559446
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a U.S. citizen. Cal. Const. art. V, §§21 & 9
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §§2 & 11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - Lieutenant Governor
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $2,937.08
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.419583
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a U.S. citizen. Cal. Const. art. V, §§21 & 9
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §§2 & 11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - Secretary of State
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $2,937.08
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.419583
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a U.S. citizen. Cal. Const. art. V, §§21 & 9
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §§2 & 11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - State Controller
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $3,132.86
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.447551
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a U.S. citizen. Cal. Const. art. V, §§21 & 9
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §§2 & 11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - State Treasurer
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $3,132.86
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.447551
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a U.S. citizen. Cal. Const. art. V, §§21 & 9
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §§2 & 11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - State Board of Equalization District 2
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 40-60
      - Filling Fee: $1,468.54
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.333305
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms as a Member of the State Board of Equalization since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. XIII, §17
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - State Insurance Commissioner
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $3,132.86
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.447551
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        during tenure of office, not be an officer, agent, or employee of an insurer or directly or indirectly interested in any insurer or licensee under the California Insurance Code, except (1) as a policyholder, or (2) by virtue of relationship by blood or marriage to any person interested in any insurer or licensee. Ins. Code §12901
        
        not have served two four-year terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Ins. Code §12900(a)
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - State Attorney General
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
      - Filling Fee: $3,401.60
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.485943
      - Qualifications:
        
        be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
        
        have been admitted to practice before the California Supreme Court for a period of at least five years immediately preceding his or her election to the office. Govt Code §12503
        
        not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
        
        not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. V, §11
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
- Non-Partisan Offices
  - State Constitutional Office
    - State Superintendent of Public Instruction
      - One seat, Four year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 65-100
    - Filling Fee: $3,401.60
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.485943
    - Qualifications:
      - be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
      - not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to: Elections Code §20
      - not have served two terms in the office sought since November 6, 1990. Cal. Const. art. IX, §2
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - Superior Court Judges
    - Office No. 1 – Kelly Simmons
      - One seat, Six year term
    - Office No. 2 – James Chou
      - One seat, Six year term
    - Office No. 3 – Beth Jordan
      - One seat, Six year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
    - Filling Fee: $2,000.04
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.333
    - Qualifications:
      - member of the State Bar or served as Judge of a court of record in this state for the preceding 10 years. Cal. Const. art. VI, §15
      - Candidates shall complete all necessary nomination documents, and shall provide documentation to the Marin County Elections Dept. to sufficiently establish qualification.
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - County Board of Supervisors
    - Board of Supervisors, 1st District
      - One seat, Four year term
    - Board of Supervisors, 5th District
      - One seat, Four year term
    - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
    - Filling Fee: $1,200.16
    - Value of Each Signature: $0.333 (or 7% rule EC8106)
    - Qualifications:
      - must be a registered voter of the district which he/she seeks to represent for at least 30 days preceding the deadline for filing nomination documents for the office, and shall reside in the district during his/her incumbency. Govt Code §25041
    - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - Marin County Offices
    - Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
      - Filling Fee: $1,910.06
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.333
      - Qualifications:
        
        must be a registered voter of the county in which the duties of the office are to be exercised at the time nomination papers are issued. Govt Code §24001
        
        must hold a valid appraiser’s certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 670) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or acquires a temporary appraiser’s certificate from the State Board of Equalization no later than 30 days after taking office. Govt Code §24002.5
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - District Attorney
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
      - Filling Fee: $2,370.58
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.333
      - Qualifications:
        
        must be a registered voter of the county in which the duties of the office are to be exercised at the time nomination papers are issued. Govt Code §24001
        
        must have been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State. Govt Code §24002
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - County Superintendent of Schools
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
      - Filling Fee: $2,947.52
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.333
      - Qualifications:
        
        must be a registered voter of the county in which the duties of the office are to be exercised at the time nomination papers are issued. Govt Code §24001
        
        no person shall hereafter be elected or appointed to office as county superintendent of schools of any county who does not possess a valid credential issued by the State Board of Education. Ed Code §1206
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
    - Sheriff-Coroner
      - One seat, Four year term
      - Required Number of Nomination Signatures: 20-40
      - Filling Fee: $2,257.22
      - Value of Each Signature: $0.333
      - Qualifications:
        
        must be a registered voter of the county in which the duties of the office are to be exercised at the time nomination papers are issued. Gov. Code §24001
      - Must meet one of the following criteria:
        
        an active or inactive advanced certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training; or
        
        one year of full-time, salaried law enforcement experience within the provisions of Section 830.1 or 830.2 of the Penal Code at least a portion of which shall have been accomplished within five years prior to the date of filing, and possesses a master’s degree from an accredited college or university; or
        
        two years of full-time, salaried law enforcement experience within the provisions of Section 830.1 or 830.2 of the Penal Code at least a portion of which shall have been accomplished within five years prior to the date of filing, and possesses a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or
        
        three years of full-time, salaried law enforcement experience within the provisions of Section 830.1 or 830.2 of the Penal Code at least a portion of which shall have been accomplished within five years prior to the date of filing, and possesses an associate in arts or associate in science degree, or the equivalent, from an accredited college; or
        
        four years of full-time, salaried law enforcement experience within the provisions of Section 830.1 or 830.2 of the Penal Code at least a portion of which shall have been accomplished within five years prior to the date of filing, and possesses a high school diploma or the equivalent.
        Govt Code §24004.3
      - Please note: Filing fees are based on salary data from December 2017. Any salary increases taking effect after December 2017 may change the fees for those affected offices. If applicable, a fee increase notice will be given to candidates during the signature in lieu period.
  - Special Districts
    - Almonte Sanitary District, Director
      - Two seats, Four year terms
    - Ross Valley Sanitary District No. 1, Director
      - Three seats, Four year terms
    - Qualifications:
      - be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person. Elections Code §201
      - must reside and be registered to vote in the jurisdiction they’re applying for, and meet all other state law and constitutional requirements. Govt Code §24001
  - Municipalities
    - City of Belvedere, City Council Member
      - Two seats, Four year terms
    - City of Mill Valley, City Council Member
      - Two seats, Four year terms
    - Town of Corte Madera, Town Council Member
      - Three seats, Four year terms
    - Town of Ross, Town Council Member
      - Three seats, Four year terms
      - One seat, Two year term
    - Qualifications:
      - must contact the city or town clerk regarding filing fees, and must obtain and file nomination papers, declaration papers, and all campaign finance reports with their respective city or town clerk.
      - a minimum of 20 sponsor signatures are required for towns/cities. Elections Code §10220
      - a person is not eligible to hold office as a member of a municipal legislative body unless he or she is otherwise qualified, resides in the district and resided in the district from which he or she is elected and a registered voter of the city at the time nomination papers are issued to the candidate as provided for in Section 10227 of the Elections Code. Govt Code §34882
Insufficient Nominees
- Special Districts
  - If the number of candidates is equal to the number of offices to be filled within a specific district, the Registrar of Voters will request the Board of Supervisors to appoint in lieu of an election the candidates who have filed nomination papers. If the number of candidates is less than the number of offices to be filled, the Board of Supervisors will appoint any qualified person(s) who will then serve exactly as if elected. (Elections Code § 10515)
- Municipal elections
  - If the number of candidates is less than the number of offices to be filled, the governing body of the city may do one of the following;
    - Appoint those persons having filed nomination papers before the deadline;
    - Appoint an eligible person who had not filed before the deadline;
    - Hold the election
    - (Elections Code § 10229)
Placement of names on the ballot
- The order in which candidates’ names shall be placed on the ballot is specified in Elections Code Sections 13111 and 13112. Election Code Section 13109 specifies the order of offices on the ballot.
- Secretary of State Random Alphabet Drawing
  - At 11:00 a.m. on the 82nd day before the election, the Secretary of State’s Office and the Marin County Registrar of Voters separately pulls each letter of the alphabet at random according to the procedure specified in Elections Code Section 13112 compiling their own randomized alphabet list.
  - Each candidate will be placed on the ballot in the order that each of the letters of his/her surname was drawn. For example, the placement of candidates with the surnames of Campbell and Carlson will depend on the order in which the letters M and R were drawn.
  - The Secretary of State’s Office will determine name placement for all contests except that the Marin County Registrar of Voters draws for multi-county offices such as State Senator or State Assembly.

Candidate Nomination Papers

Our office will provide most of the documents listed below. If you cannot pick up your nomination papers you may have an authorized person with signed authorization receive your papers for you. Descriptions of each are on the below.

Signatures In Lieu of Filing Fee Petition (optional)
- If you are a candidate for an office that requires a salary based filing fee, you may gather signatures of registered voters to help defray the cost of the filing fee. The Offices Open section lists filing fees and the value of each signature needed to offset those fees. This filing period begins December 14, 2017 through February 7, 2018.
- Filing fees:
  - are nonrefundable, and must be paid before receiving your nomination documents.
  - filing fees for Non-Partisan offices may be paid by cash, money order, certified, travelers or personal check made payable to Registrar of Voters.
  - filing fees for Partisan and Voter Nominated offices must be paid by check made payable to the Secretary of State.
- Circulating Signature Petitions:
  - A candidate may serve as the circulator to collect signatures.
  - Any registered voter who is a resident of the jurisdiction can sign a petition for any candidate for whom he/she is eligible to vote.
  - Signatures gathered from other counties for a multi-county district office must be delivered and processed at the Elections Office in those counties.
  - Anyone 18 years or older, regardless of their state of residence, can circulate nomination or in lieu petitions for signatures.

Candidate Application Form
- Before you receive any nomination documents from the Elections Department you must complete and file the Candidate Application Form, either in person or using our web document.
- If using our web document, we will prepare and email most of your nomination papers along with instructions and due dates.
- Our office requires a contact email address and phone number on the application. We also ask that you choose one or both so the media and general public may contact you.

Nomination Petition/Sponsor signatures
- If you are a candidate for county, city, federal, state, or judicial office you must file nomination petitions with the minimum number of valid sponsor signatures.(see Offices Open section)
- Those signing your nomination papers must be a registered voter regardless of their political party, and eligible to vote in your contest. Each signer will provide his/her printed name, signature, residence address, city, on the petition, and sign in the presence of the candidate or circulator.
- Other important things to know
  - The petition will not be accepted if any information including the circulator’s affidavit is not completed in full.
  - All nomination petitions must be received by the close of the filing period.
  - You can use any of the qualified signatures from your ‘signature in lieu’ petition for your nomination signatures.
  - A candidate may sign his/her own petition.
  - A registered voter can sign multiple candidate petitions; however, a registered voter cannot sign for more candidates than the number of positions available for nomination.

Declaration of Intention – Superior Court Candidates only
- To be a candidate for Superior Court Judge you must first file the Declaration of Intention. The filing period for this form is January 29 through February 7, 2018.
- Those signing your nomination papers must be a registered voter regardless of their political party, and eligible to vote in your contest. Each signer will provide his/her printed name, signature, residence address, city, on the petition, and sign in the presence of the candidate or circulator.
  - Nonrefundable filing fees: When you file your Declaration of Intention you must pay the nonrefundable filing fee and/or submit the full or prorated amount of signatures in lieu.
  - Office number: You must declare the office number (see Offices Open section) on your Declaration of Intention.
  - If the incumbent fails to file a Declaration of Intention by the February 7th deadline, anyone other than the incumbent may file a Declaration of Intention by February 12th.
  - If an incumbent of a judicial office has filed a declaration of intention but fails to file nomination papers by March 9th, the nomination period will extend to March 14th. Any qualified person, other than the incumbent may file nomination papers for the office during this period even though he or she has not filed a Declaration of Intention. This candidate must pay the filing fee when his or her nomination papers are issued.

Declaration of Candidacy Form
- The Declaration of Candidacy form must be completed in the office of the elections official or signed and witnessed by a registered Notary Public, and filed in the office of the elections official with all other required documents by the closing date of the nomination period.
- Candidates may not file a Declaration of Candidacy form for more than one term of office for the same district, or for more than one district or municipal office at a time. (E.C. §§ 8003(b); 10510(b); 10220.5)
- Voter Nominated Offices: state legislative offices, and U.S. federal offices.
  You must indicate on your Declaration of Candidacy whether or not you want your party preference to be printed next to your name on the ballot. If you list a party preference, that party will be printed after your name on the ballot. If you do not list a party preference, the words "Party Preference: None" will be printed after your name on the ballot.
  - If you choose to put your party preference on the Declaration of Candidacy, you must be registered to vote in that party.
  - You must also provide a 10-year history of your party registration which will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website.
  - The party preference or no preference from the Primary Election ballot will be the same for the General Election ballot.
- How do you want your name to appear on the ballot?
  Indicate your name preference on the Declaration of Candidacy form. You can keep your voter registration name, or you may designate your name as follows:
  - You can use your nickname in quotation marks, along with your legal name on your form. If you do not write your nickname on the Declaration of Candidacy form, you cannot use it afterwards on other candidate papers. (A.G. Ops 50-87, 5/27/80)
  - First, middle, and last name
  - Initials only and last name
  - A familiar or common short version of the first name such as “Bill” for William or “Becky” for Rebecca, etc.
- Please note: you cannot have titles or degrees with your name on the ballot.
- Ballot Designation
  On the ballot under your name is the Ballot Designation. It is optional, but if you choose a designation then you must indicate this on the Declaration of Candidacy form. You must also complete a Ballot Designation Worksheet, but if you do not choose a designation then the worksheet is not required. If you do not want a designation, write “NONE” on your Declaration of Candidacy form where it asks for your designation. Also put your initials after the word “NONE.”

Ballot Designation Rules & Worksheet (if requesting a designation)
- General Rules
  - The Ballot Designation refers to your current occupation, vocation, profession, or incumbency status. You are only allowed up to 3 words. The exception is that an elected official can use the exact title of the office currently held: for example Director, ABC Fire Protection District.
  - If you decide to use a ballot designation you must fill out a Ballot Designation Worksheet and file it with your candidate papers by the deadline. (E.C. §§ 13107.3; CA Admin. Code – §§ 20710-20719)
  - California state law requires that your designation must describe your current occupation, profession, vocation, or what you did for a living during the 12 months before the filing deadline. The words you choose must be generic and neutral, but accurate and not misleading. (E.C. §§ 13107)
  - You may list more than one profession, occupation, or vocation, but you are limited to 3 words and you must separate them with a slash. Example: Professor/Mother/Doctor. Note: If you choose words that are very long, they may be printed in a smaller font size.
- Request for supporting documents:
  - Candidates are responsible for establishing accuracy and compliance within all provisions of the Elections Code. The Elections Department or Secretary of State may request supporting documentation or evidence supporting a candidate’s proposed ballot designation. (Admin. Code § 20717)
- Rejection of ballot designations:
  - The elections official may reject a candidate’s ballot designation due to any violation of the parameters stated in the Elections Code. The Secretary of State’s office administers rules and procedures for State and Federal candidates. Candidates are given an opportunity to make a correction. If you do not provide an acceptable alternative designation by the deadline, no ballot designation will be listed after your name. (Election Code § 13107(c))
- Other ballot designation rules
  - You may use the words community volunteer (Admin. Code § 20714.5) if:
    - You’re substantially involved as a community volunteer with bona fide organizations,
    - You do not have another principal occupation or vocation, and
    - You do not add any other words to describe another occupation or vocation.
  - You may use the word retired (Admin. Code § 20716(h)(1)) if:
    - You are 55 or older, and worked at your last job or vocation for more than 5 years and left voluntarily;
    - A principal source of your income is from a retirement plan or retirement benefits (or you are eligible to receive retirement benefits).
    - You cannot use retired if you’ve had more recent professions, occupations, or vocations.
    - Note: You must not abbreviate retired or place it after the word(s) it modifies.
  - Do not use words that Evaluate, some examples:
    - Outstanding, leading, expert, virtuous, eminent, best, prominent, pro, anti
  - Do not use words that Suggest status and do not say your occupation, some examples:
    - Taxpayer, patriot, citizen, renter, presidential appointee, husband, wife, scholar, veteran, concerned citizen, activist, advocate, reformer
  - Do not use words that Suggest a racial, religious or ethnic group, some examples:
    - Asian, Christian, Irish
  - Do not use words that Suggest a political party, some examples:
    - Libertarian, Democrat
  - Do not use words that Refer to illegal activity, some examples:
    - Outlaw, gambler
  - Do not use words that Suggest previous occupations, some examples:
    - Former, ex
    - You may use retired. (See above)
  - Do not use words that Name a company, agency or person, some examples:
    - Instead of: IBM President, use: Computer Corporation President
    - Instead of: Director, DMV, use: State Agency Director
  - Do not use words that Mislead , some examples:
    - An occasional activity, hobby, or position that takes up little of your time.
    - You may have to give proof to support the accuracy of your designation.
- Special rules for incumbents and appointed incumbents:
  - If you are an incumbent, you may use:
    - Your elected title, even if the title has more than 3 words
      - Example: Board Member, ABC School District
    - Your elected position and your other occupation or vocation, if you use 3 words or less
      - Example: Board Member/Teacher
    - The word Incumbent (no other words allowed) if you are running for the same office you hold now.
  - If you are an appointed incumbent you may use:
    - The words Appointed Incumbent (no other words allowed) if you are running for the same office you hold now.
    - The word Appointed along with your current elected position and the jurisdiction (Appointed Board Member, ABC School District), or the word Appointed along with your current elected position and another designation (Appointed Trustee/Mother).
    - Judicial candidates that were appointed to a judicial seat are not required to use Appointed, and can use Incumbent instead.

Candidate’s Statement (optional)
- General Information
  - You have the option to file a 200 word candidate statement to be printed in the Marin County Voter Information Guide. Congressional, State Senate & Assembly candidates are allowed 250 words.
  - Print your statement on a separate piece of paper and attach it to the Candidate Statement form provided with your other candidate papers.
  - File your statement with your payment (check or cash) along with your other candidate papers no later than 5 p.m., March 9th. If you are running for an office with an extended nomination period, the deadline is 5 p.m. on March 9th.
  - If the office you are running for covers more than one county, you have the option to print your statement in both counties. To do that, you must file and pay for your statement in each county separately, and follow both counties’ procedures.
  - Review your statement carefully because you’re not allowed to correct typos or mistakes after filing it. It’s a good idea to have another person proofread your statement with you.
  - If you want to change your statement after you file, your only option is to withdraw as a candidate, and completely re-file as a candidate.
  - The deadline to only withdraw your statement is by the close of business of the next working day after the close of the nomination period. You’ll be refunded the cost of the statement.
  - We require all candidate statements to be filed electronically in Word version. If you cannot provide an e-version of your statement, you will be charged a $100 retyping fee.
- Statement Fees
  - All candidates must pay a fee to have their statement printed in the Marin County Voter Information Guide. If you want your statement translated into Spanish, the cost is doubled plus a translation fee. The fees are based on typesetting, printing, mailing expenses, and the number of registered voters in specified areas based on the Jan. 2, 2018 report to the Secretary of State prior to printing this manual.
  - County Board of Supervisors
    - District 1
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 31,795
      - Statement printed in English only, $386
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $872
    - District 5
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 29,408
      - Statement printed in English only, $369
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $838
  - County-wide contests
    - All offices with 200 word count
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 153,896
      - Statement printed in English only, $1,302
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $2,704
    - All offices with 250 word count
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 153,896
      - Statement printed in English only, $1,627.50
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $3,355
  - Special Districts
    - Almonte Sanitary District
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 1,153
      - Statement printed in English only, $157
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $414
    - Ross Valley Sanitary District No.1
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 30,576
      - Statement printed in English only, $377
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $854
  - City/Town Councils
    - City of Belvedere
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 1,428
      - Statement printed in English only, $159
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $418
    - City of Mill Valley
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 9,697
      - Statement printed in English only, $221
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $542
    - Town of Corte Madera
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 6,096
      - Statement printed in English only, $194
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $488
    - Town of Ross
      - Number of Jurisdiction Voters, 1,550
      - Statement printed in English only, $160
      - Statement printed in English and Spanish, $420
- State Offices and Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings
  - State Senate and Assembly candidates who want to purchase space for a 250 word statement in the County Voter Information Guide must accept the voluntary expenditure limits listed in the chart below by filing the Form 501 (Candidate Statement of Intention) with the Secretary of State. (Government Code § 85601)
  - U. S. House of Representatives candidates may purchase space for a 250-word statement in the voter information portion of the county guide. This office is not affected by the State’s expenditure ceiling; however, you must contact the FEC for all campaign finance rules, regulations, and reporting.
  - Expenditure Limits for State Assembly and State Senate Candidates
    - State Assembly
      - Primary/Special Election, $564,000
      - General/Special Runoff Election, $987,000
    - State Senate
      - Primary/Special Election, $846,000
      - General/Special Runoff Election, $1,269,000
- Content requirements
  - Your candidate statement can include information about your education, experience and other qualifications. It shall not include information about, or in any way reference any other candidate, party affiliations, or memberships and activities in any political party organizations (EC §13307(a); §13308). If your statement does not comply, the Elections Department will require changes.
- Formatting requirements
  - All candidate statements must be uniform in type and size, and single spaced lines.
  - No ALL CAPS (use upper and lower case)
  - No italics, no bold, no underlining, no highlighting
  - No clusters of exclamation points!!!!
  - No bullets or numbered lists (we will replace with semicolons and wrap text)
  - Indents are not allowed
  - 200 words maximum (Go to the How to Count Words section to help you with your statement
  - Word count begins after “Education and Qualifications” on a Candidate Statement.
  - SAMPLE FORMAT
  - STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
  - MEMBER, CITY COUNCIL
  - Greatest City
  - JANE DOE AGE: 21
  - Occupation: Manager
  - Education and Qualifications:
  - I can bring to the office a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Born and raised in the San Francisco area, with my family still farming, I can appreciate the concerns of the environmentalists.
  - On the other hand, having been in business since my undergraduate days at college, and with my experience in the rental and real estate field, I appreciate the practical housing choices and frustrations with high rental cost.
  - I advocate a program to protect our neighborhoods from increasing overcrowding and visual blight. As a Member of the City Council, I would bring balanced points of view.
  - Please remember, because your statement must fit in a quarter page area we may need to adjust the format and spacing of your statement.

Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700
- The Political Reform Act requires candidates and most state and local government officials and employees to publicly disclose their personal assets and income. They must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions that may affect their personal economic interests.
- You must disclose your personal assets and income on the Form 700 (a public document) and file it with your other candidate papers.
- If you are elected or appointed to office, you must file this form with the appropriate filing officer for your jurisdiction within 30 days of taking office, and then annually until you leave office.
- The form and instructions are on our website, and the Fair Political Practices website.

Campaign Finance Statements (not provided)
- Basic Rules for All Candidate Committees
  - All campaign finance reports are considered public and may be posted online.
  - Deposit all campaign funds in a separate bank account that is only for the campaign. You cannot add contributed funds to personal accounts.
  - Do not use the same bank account, committee, or committee name that you used in a previous election if you are running for a different office.
  - Open a campaign finance committee at any time using a Form 410. You must open a committee once you raise or spend $2000 for your campaign.
  - Record all contributions and expenses of $25 or more. (Your FPPC manual offers guidelines for recordkeeping.)
  - Document any donation worth $100 or more, including cash, loans, and in-kind contributions, including the contributor’s name, address, occupation, and employer.
  - Do not use your campaign funds for non-campaign expenses or to make independent expenditures to support or oppose other candidates.
  - If you receive $1000 or more from a single source in the last 90 days before the election, you must disclose it within 24 hours, even if the contributions are from your personal funds. This includes separate contributions from the same source that add up to $1000 or more.
  - Not all Marin County cities and districts have the same campaign contribution limits. To know the limits for your office, contact the local official.
  - Important! Your campaign finance reporting requirements do not end with the election. Be prepared to continuously file reports until you close your committee.
- Federal Offices
  - If you’re running for a federal office (U.S. House of Representatives) you’re required to register and file financial activity reports with the Federal Election Commission. Federal campaign committees do not file reports with the California Secretary of State or the County of Marin.
- State Offices
  - If you’re a candidate for a State office (such as Governor or State Assembly) you are required to register with the California Secretary of State and file financial activity reports. Candidates and committees who raise or spend more than $25,000 must electronically file their reports; those who spend or raise less than $25,000 may file paper reports.
  - Contribution limits to state candidates per election from individuals, business entities, PAC’s
    - $4,200 for Senate and Assembly
    - $28,200 for Governor
    - $7,000 for all other State offices
  - Voluntary Expenditure Ceilings for State Candidates during the General election.
    - The amounts vary by office, and may differ for the June and November elections. Visit the FPPC website to find out what the limits are.
    - You must file the Candidate In¬tention Statement (Form 501) to accept the voluntary expenditure ceiling established for each election.
- Judicial Offices
  - If you’re a candidate for Superior Court Judge you’re required to file financial activity reports with the California Secretary of State and the Marin County Elections Department. If the total cumulative reportable amount of contributions received, expenditures made, loans made, or loans received is $25,000 or more, you’re required to file electronically with the SOS but you will not continue to file with the county.
- Reporting Deadlines for State & Local Candidates
  - Period reported thru – 12/31/17
    - Deadline January 31, 2018, form 460 Semi-Annual
  - Period reported 3/7/18 – 6/5/18
    - Deadline within 24 hours, form 497 Late Contribution Report (for $1000 or more from a single source)
  - Period reported 1/1/18 – 4/21/18
    - Deadline April 26, 2018, form 460 Pre-election
  - Period reported 4/22/18 – 5/19/18
    - Deadline May 24, 2018, form 460 Pre-election
  - Period reported 5/20/18 – 6/30/18
    - Deadline July 31, 2018, form 460 Semi-Annual
  - E-filing! Local candidate finance statements can be e-filed. It’s free, saves time, and you won’t have to provide signatures or hard copies. For more information call 415-473-6437.
- Fines and Penalties
  - Candidates and committees that do not file or who file late deny the public the right to view timely campaign finance reports. State law gives local elections officials and the Fair Political Practices Commission the authority to assess fines due to filing violations.(Government Code § 91013)
  - The fines levied by the Marin County Elections Department are $10 per day for each day past the deadline until the required report is filed. If the fines are not paid, the Elections Department may file a civil action against the candidate/committee for the amount owed. If the report is never filed the Elections Department will report the candidate/committee to the Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
  - The filing officer for Marin County Elections Department is allowed to waive a fine if it’s determined the late filing was not intentional or the report was filed before the waiver of liability period ends.
- Reporting Violations
  - If a committee or candidate has violated any campaign disclosure requirement, any person in the affected jurisdiction may file an action or ask for an injunction. (Government Code § 91003)Marin County Elections Department will not investigate or prosecute violations, except for civil actions to collect fines.
- Candidate Campaign Finance Forms
  - The following is a list of forms used by most local candidates. Other reports may be required depending on the committee’s activity. Please refer to FPPC Manual 2 for more information.
  - Form 501 – Statement of Intent
    - Candidates for state or local office must file this form prior to solicitation or receipt of any contribution, or expenditure of personal funds used for the election. Exception: This form is not required if you will not solicit or receive contributions from other persons, and the only expenditures will be from your personal funds used for the filing fee and statement of qualification in the sample ballot. Candidates who file a Form 501 must establish a separate bank account with a financial institution in California if they accept contributions. Refer to FPPC Manual 2 for more information.
  - Form 470 – Campaign Statement
    - All candidates who have filed a Form 501 must file at least one campaign statement before the election. Candidates may file the Form 470 if they do not have a controlled committee, do not anticipate receiving contributions totaling $2000 or more during the calendar year, and do not anticipate spending $2000 or more during the calendar year. The Form 470 is filed once, by the first pre-election due date. If the $1000 threshold is achieved, candidates must file the Form 470 Supplement, and establish a campaign committee. Please refer to FPPC Manual 2 for more information.
  - Form 410 – Statement of Organization
    - Candidates must use Form 410 to establish a campaign committee, no later than within 10 days after the committee has spent or received $2000 or more. Form 410 is also used to amend changes to the committee, and terminate the committee. By establishing a committee, candidates are required to file periodic campaign statements until the committee is closed. All committees must file the Form 410 with the Secretary of State and their local filing agency. Please refer to FPPC Manual 2 for more information.
  - Form 460 – Recipient Committee Campaign Statement
    - Candidate controlled committees are required to use Form 460 to report all campaign activity during scheduled semi-annual and pre-election periods. Statements must be completed fully and accurately, and filed on time per the filing schedule. Please refer to FPPC Manual 2 for more information.
  - Form 497 – Late Contribution Report
    - A Late Contribution Report must be filed if a committee controlled by the candidate receives a contribution (including aggregated amounts) from a single source, or makes contributions, totaling $1,000 or more to a candidate or primarily formed committee during the 90 days prior to the candidate’s election.
- Questions?
  - Campaign finance reporting and fund-raising laws change frequently, so make sure you understand your requirements.
  - If you are a local candidate, see the FPPC Manual 2 or contact:
    - Dan Miller - Email
      Tel. 415-473-6437 – Fax: 415-473-6447
    - Municipal candidates must contact their respective city/town clerk.
  - Candidates for state offices may consult the FPPC Manual 1 or contact:
    - Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)
      - 1102 Q Street Suite 3000, Sacramento, CA 95811
      - Tel. 866-275-3772, or www.fppc.ca.gov
    - Secretary of State, Political Reform Division
      - 1500 11TH Street Room 495, Sacramento, CA 95814
      - Tel. 916-653-6224, or www.ss.ca.gov/elections
  - Candidates for federal offices must contact:
    - Federal Election Commission:
      - 800-424-9530, or www.fec.gov
  - You can find more information and manuals at the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website: www.fppc.ca.gov.

What All Campaigns Need to Know

How to Count Words

Candidate statements and ballot measure-related text are limited to a certain number of words. The rules below explain how we count words. These rules are based on California law. Before you file your statement or measure argument, count the words carefully. If you have too many words we will ask you to revise your text.

Items counted as 1 word:	Examples
Symbols/numerals that form a single word	& # % 100s $1000 10¢ 12th
Abbreviations & acronyms	Dist., UCLA, U.S.M.C., FYI
All dates in any form	7/21/89, or July 4, 1776
Numerals or phone numbers	12, 1,000,000, 415-473-6456
Website & e-mail addresses	www.marinvotes.org, elections@marincounty.org
Proper nouns usually beginning with capital letters: includes the names of people, places, and certain things	New Jersey, County of Marin, Marin General Hospital, Bob Hope, U. S. Congress, Internet Explorer
Hyphenated words listed in a standard U.S. dictionary published within 10 years before the date of the election	Attorney-at-law, ex-president

Items NOT counted as 1 word:	Examples
Numbers written as words	one hundred
Groups of common nouns not definable as proper nouns	peck of pickled peppers, political veteran

Items NOT counted:	Examples
Punctuation marks	? “ ” !
We do not count any part of the “Occupation” section, or the words “Education and Qualifications.” on a Candidate Statement.

Candidate Guide

Candidate Guide

Statewide Direct Primary Election June 5, 2018

Index

Common Questions

Common Questions & Answers

Important Dates

Important Dates

Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday move to the next business day.

Offices Open

Offices Open for Nomination

Candidate Nomination Papers

Candidate Nomination Papers

What All Campaigns Need to Know

What All Campaigns Need to Know

How to Count Words

How to Count Words

Primary Election 2018 at-a-glance

What All Campaigns Need to Know