CANDIDATE GUIDE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2016 DRAFT

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1 CANDIDATE GUIDE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2016 DRAFT Candace J. Grubbs, County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters 155 Nelson Avenue, Oroville CA Phone: (530) Fax: (530) Website: This guide was developed in an effort to provide general information regarding running for elective office. It is for general information only and does not have the force and effect of law, regulation or rule. In the case of conflict, the law, regulation or rule will apply. It is distributed with the understanding that the County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters is not rendering legal advice and, therefore, this guide is not to be a substitute for legal counsel for the individual, organization or committee using it. Persons using this guide must bear full responsibility to make their own determinations as to all legal standards and duties. For information regarding municipal offices, please contact your City/Town Clerk s Office. May 25, 2016

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3 Elections Division 155 Nelson Avenue Oroville, CA CANDACE J. GRUBBS COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER/REGISTRAR OF VOTERS COUNTY OF BUTTE Fax: Dear Candidate: This guidebook has been prepared to assist candidates for School and Special District Offices in preparing for the upcoming election. Staff has made every attempt to be as informative as possible in compiling this information, but law prohibits employees from answering questions of a legal nature. Candidates and others using this guidebook must bear full responsibility to make their own determinations as to all legal standards and duties. To that end, it is strongly recommended that candidates obtain their own legal counsel. Additional election related material such as past election turnout and statistics may be found on the website A list of candidates will be posted daily so you may see who has filed to run in the various offices to be filled. The Butte County Elections Office is dedicated to administering fair and accurate elections and helping all qualified candidates get their names placed on the ballot. Our mission is to provide efficient service to the public that exemplifies the highest standards of courtesy, cost effectiveness, and ethical performance while maintaining and preserving the public s records in a secure and easily accessible environment and promoting confidence in the administration of fair and impartial elections. Sincerely, Candace J. Grubbs County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters

4 Standards of Conduct for Election/Registration Officials My Personal Pledge to Freedom, Democracy and My Profession: I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws, policies and court decisions of federal, state and local jurisdictions; I commit to excellence and competence by maintaining the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the elections process through continuing education and self-evaluation; I am accountable for maintaining public confidence in honest and impartial elections which I conduct in a fair, efficient and accurate manner; I dignify voters by providing equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process; I am responsible for just and equitable treatment of the general public, elected officials and members of my profession; I manifest a positive role in community relations by being accessible and receptive to both individuals and groups; I have the courage and stamina to protect the public s interest from manipulation for personal or partisan gain while respecting the rights of all; I am flexible and innovative within the framework of the law in carrying out my duties on behalf of the public s interest; I conduct all fiscal responsibilities with wisdom and integrity, and I am accountable for all funds and resources committed to my charge; I maintain a productive and efficient operation through a well-managed elections environment; I endeavor to maintain the highest level of integrity in performing all duties of my profession. ELECTION CENTER An international service association of election and voter registration officials Westella, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77077

5 Table of Contents Section 1 General Information Offices Subject to Election...1 Local Offices...1 Offices to be Voted on...2 Section 2 Candidate Qualifications General Qualifications for Elected Public Office...5 Special Qualifications and Term of Office...7 Butte County Board of Education...7 Butte-Glenn Community College District...8 Biggs Unified School District...12 Chico Unified School District...12 Durham Unified School District...13 Gridley Unified School District...13 Marysville Joint Unified School District...16 Paradise Unified School District...17 Oroville Union High School District...17 Bangor Union Elementary School District...18 Feather Falls Union Elementary School District...18 Golden Feather Union Elementary School District...19 Manzanita Elementary School District...19 Oroville City Elementary School District...20 Palermo Union School District...20 Pioneer Union Elementary School District...21 Thermalito Union School District...22 El Medio Fire Protection District...22 Durham Irrigation District...23 Paradise Irrigation District...23 Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District...24 Chico Area Recreation and Park District...25 Durham Recreation and Park District...25 Feather River Recreation and Park District...26 Paradise Recreation and Park District...26 Richvale Recreation and Park District...27 South Feather Water and Power Agency...28 Thermalito Water and Sewer District...29 Section 3 Candidate Dates, Extension Period and Run Off Candidates Filing Dates and Deadlines for Candidates for Local Office...31 Candidate Filing Extension Period...32 Run Off Candidates from Primary Election...33

6 Section 4 Nomination Process Nomination Requirements...35 Declaration of Candidacy...36 Candidate s Name on Ballot...37 Order of Names on Ballot...39 Ballot Designation Worksheet...43 Ballot Designation Guidelines...44 Ballot Designation Regulations...46 Candidate Contact Information Release...56 Code of Fair Campaign Practices...57 Candidate Statement of Qualifications...59 Word Count Guidelines...60 Estimated Advance Payment...62 Sample Printed Candidate Statement...67 Authorization for Candidate s Representative...68 Section 5 Write-In Candidacy Filing Requirements...69 Filing Deadline...70 Nomination Paper...70 Write-In Candidate Name on Ballot...71 Section 6 Political Reform Act Requirements Statement of Economic Interests Form Campaign Disclosure Requirements...76 Campaign Disclosure Filing Schedule...82 Section 7 Miscellaneous Election Related Information Running for Multiple Offices at the Same Election...85 Incompatible Offices...86 Votes Needed for Election to Office...87 Section 8 Campaigning Campaign Literature Requirements...89 Campaign Literature Containing Polling Place Location...93 Outdoor Political Signs...94 Electioneering Prohibitions...96 Penal Provisions...99 Political Activities Section 9 Miscellaneous Election Related Information Information Available to Candidates Vote by Mail Ballot Application Information Questions Frequently Asked by Candidates Election Night Results Important Contact Information

7 Section 1 General Information

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9 Offices Subject to Election Local Offices This guidebook details the candidate nomination process and assists you in running for office. Please refer to the appropriate sections for offices up for election and qualifications in this guidebook for more detailed information. We have prepared a Calendar of Events, which is separate from this guidebook. Please visit the website to obtain a copy. For questions not covered in this guidebook, please contact the Butte County Elections Office at or within Butte County. For information regarding city or town information, contact the appropriate City or Town Clerk. Refer to Important Contact Information in this guidebook for their contact information. To review the complete list of candidates who have filed for these positions during the candidate filing period, please visit our website at 1 P a g e

10 Office Offices To Be Voted On November 8, 2016 Butte County Board of Education Trustee Area 1 (Chico) Butte County Board of Education Trustee Area 4 (Gridley, Biggs, Durham) Butte-Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 1** Butte-Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 2** Butte-Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 3** Butte-Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 7** (Glenn County) Number to be Elected Biggs Unified School District 2 Chico Unified School District 2 Durham Unified School District 3 Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 1 (Manzanita) Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 2 (Gridley) Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 3 (Gridley) Marysville Joint Unified School District* Trustee Area 4 Paradise Unified School District 3 3 Incumbent Amy Christianson Ryne Ladd Johnson Roger C. Steel 1 Brenda J. McLaughlin 1 Lou Cecchi 1 William McGinnis 1 Rick Krepelka 1 Eugene Massa, Jr. Pamela Sheppard Kari L. Wheeler Elizabeth Liz Griffin Linda Hovey Robert Bultema Mark Kimmelshue Ed McLaughlin 1 Lena Sannar 2 Eric Waterbury Kathy Wheeler 1 Arthur Cota*** 1 Bernard P. Rechs Tom Conry Lisa P. Nelson Donna L. Nichols 2 P a g e

11 Offices to be Voted On November 8, 2016, Continued Office Number to be Elected Oroville Union High School District 2 Bangor Union Elementary School District 2 Feather Falls Union Elementary School District Golden Feather Union Elementary School District Manzanita Elementary School District 3 Oroville City Elementary School District 3 Palermo Union School District 3 Pioneer Union Elementary School District 2 Thermalito Union School District 2 El Medio Fire Protection District 3 Durham Irrigation District 3 Paradise Irrigation District Division 1 Paradise Irrigation District Division 5 Lake Oroville Public Utility District 2 Chico Area Recreation and Park District Incumbent Scott Damon Donald Phillips Vacant Patrick K. McMinn Kelly Doyle Dena Hanson Paula Jones Neher Ralph White II David M. Anderson Colleen Dugan Darin Pantaleoni K. Sandra Barnes Eric J. Smith Carol Sutherland Richard Wulbern Walter R. Hancock Loretta Long*** William D. Cotter Melvin L. Hillier Lena Correa Susan C. Dunn Daniel Moench John T. Allen Dan Tiedemann Raymond Cooper Nick Gore Kevin Philips*** 1 Kenneth G. Hunt 1 Cliff Jacobson T.C. Dennis Dee G. Fairbanks Tom Lando Michael Worley 3 P a g e

12 Offices to be Voted On November 8, 2016, Continued Office Number to be Elected Durham Recreation and Park District 2 Feather River Recreation and Park District Paradise Recreation and Park District 3 Richvale Recreation and Park District 2 3 Incumbent Roy Farrell Casey Sohnrey Marcia K. Carter Victoria K. Smith Gary S. Emberland Morgan S. Miller Julie Van Roekel Mary Bellefeuille*** Audrey G. Stephens Gregory A.Stephens South Feather Water and Power Agency Division 2 South Feather Water and Power Agency Division 4 Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 1 Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 2 Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 4 1 Lou Lodigiani 1 James L. Edwards 1 Brad Taggart 1 Trevor Hatley 1 Brian Pulley Footnotes: Candidates seeking office must know the term of office. Generally terms are 4 years for most local public offices other than short term offices which are 2 years. * Joint county district shared with Yuba County. Yuba County is the lead agency. ** Joint county district shared with Glenn County. Butte County is the lead agency. *** Incumbent appointed to vacancy in district. Office subject to election for 2 year short term. 4 P a g e

13 Section 2 Candidate Qualifications

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15 General Qualifications for Elected Public Office The following qualifications are required of any candidate seeking election to public office: Elections Code section 201 Unless otherwise specifically provided, no person is eligible to be elected or appointed to an elective office unless that person is a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time that nomination papers are issued to the person or at the time of the person s appointment. Government Code section Except as otherwise provided in sections and or in this section, or in section or of the Water Code, or in any landowner voting district, as defined in paragraph (8) of subdivision (b) of section of the Elections Code, a person is not eligible to a county or district office, unless he or she is a registered voter of the county or district in which the duties of the office are to be exercised at the time that nomination papers are issued to the person or at the time of the appointment of the person. The board of supervisors or any other legally constituted appointing authority in a county or district may, if it finds that the best interests of the county or district will be served, waive the requirements of this section for an appointed county or district office. Elections Code section 20. Persons convicted of a felony (a) A person shall not be considered a candidate for, and is not eligible to be elected to, any state or local elective office if the person has been convicted of a felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe, the embezzlement of public money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes. (b) For purposes of this section, conviction of a felony includes a conviction of a felony in this state and a conviction under the laws of any other state, the United States, or any foreign government or country of a crime that, if committed in this state, would be a felony, and for which the person has not received a pardon from the Governor of this state, the governor or other officer authorized to grant pardons in another state, the President of the United States, or the officer of the foreign government or country authorized to grant pardons in that foreign jurisdiction. California Government Code sections Persons convicted of crimes under the California Law and Constitution A person is disqualified from holding any office upon conviction of designated crimes as specified in the Constitution and laws of the State. 5 P a g e

16 California Government Code section Political rights and duties Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public officer who is a minor shall have the rights and liabilities of an adult, both civil and criminal, with regard to his official duties, and a candidate for nomination or election to public office who is a minor shall have the rights and liabilities of an adult, both civil and criminal, with regard to his activities as a candidate. Note: In addition to the general qualifications candidates must meet specific qualifications as stated on the following pages. California Government Code section No person convicted of a misdemeanor under this title shall be a candidate for any elective office or act as a lobbyist for a period of four years following the date of the conviction unless the court at the time of sentencing specifically determines that this provision shall not be applicable. A plea of nolo contendere shall be deemed a conviction for purposes of this section. Any person violating this section is guilty of a felony. 6 P a g e

17 Special Qualifications and Term of Office Butte County Board of Education Trustee Area 1 (Chico) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Governing Board Members Term Begins November 25, 2016* Qualifications Education Code section 1000 There shall be a county board of education, which shall consist of five or seven members to be determined by the county committee on school district organization. Each member of the board shall be an elector of the trustee area which he represents and shall be elected by the electors of the trustee area. In chartered counties the manner of selection of the county board of education shall be prescribed in the county charter, or by the county board of supervisors. Education Code section 1006 (a) Any registered voter is eligible to be a member of the county board of education except the county superintendent of schools or any member of his or her staff, or any employee of a school district that is within the jurisdiction of the county board of education. Butte County Board of Education Trustee Area 4 (Gridley, Biggs or Durham) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins November 25, 2016* Qualifications Education Code section 1000 There shall be a county board of education, which shall consist of five or seven members to be determined by the county committee on school district organization. Each member of the board shall be an elector of the trustee area which he represents and shall be elected by the electors of the trustee area. In chartered counties the manner of selection of the county board of education shall be prescribed in the county charter, or by the county board of supervisors. Education Code section 1006 (a) Any registered voter is eligible to be a member of the county board of education except the county superintendent of schools or any member of his or her staff, or any employee of a school district that is within the jurisdiction of the county board of education. 7 P a g e

18 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Butte Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 1 (Oroville) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section No member of the governing board of a community college district shall, during the term for which he or she was elected, be eligible to serve on the governing board of a high school district whose boundaries are coterminous with those of the community college district. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 8 P a g e

19 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Butte Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 2 (Chico) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section No member of the governing board of a community college district shall, during the term for which he or she was elected, be eligible to serve on the governing board of a high school district whose boundaries are coterminous with those of the community college district. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 9 P a g e

20 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Butte Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 3 (Chico) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section No member of the governing board of a community college district shall, during the term for which he or she was elected, be eligible to serve on the governing board of a high school district whose boundaries are coterminous with those of the community college district. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 10 P a g e

21 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Butte Glenn Community College District Trustee Area 7 (Glenn County) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section No member of the governing board of a community college district shall, during the term for which he or she was elected, be eligible to serve on the governing board of a high school district whose boundaries are coterminous with those of the community college district. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 11 P a g e

22 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Biggs Unified School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Chico Unified School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications continued, next page 12 P a g e

23 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Durham Unified School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 1 (Manzanita area) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 13 P a g e

24 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 2 (Gridley) Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 14 P a g e

25 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Gridley Unified School District Trustee Area 3 (Gridley) Short Term Term of Office Number of Positions 2 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 15 P a g e

26 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Marysville Joint Unified School District Trustee Area 4 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. California Education Code section 5030 The candidate must reside in the trustee area which he or she represents but is elected by the registered voters of the entire school district or community college district. Qualifications continued, next page 16 P a g e

27 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Paradise Unified School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Oroville Union High School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications continued, next page 17 P a g e

28 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Bangor Union Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Feather Falls Union Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications continued, next page 18 P a g e

29 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Golden Feather Union Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Manzanita Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications Continued, Next Page 19 P a g e

30 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Oroville City Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Palermo Union School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications Continued, Next Page 20 P a g e

31 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Palermo Union School District Short Term Term of Office Number of Positions 2 years 1 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Pioneer Union Elementary School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Member Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. Qualifications Continued, Next Page 21 P a g e

32 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Thermalito Union School District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Governing Board Members Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Education Code section (a) Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications. (b) (1) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. El Medio Fire Protection District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Health and Safety Code section Each member of a district board shall be a resident of the district. In addition, if the district board is elected, each member of the district board shall be a registered voter of the district. Qualifications continued, next page 22 P a g e

33 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Durham Irrigation District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Durham Irrigation District Short Term Term of Office Number of Positions 2 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Paradise Irrigation District Division 1 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Qualifications continued, next page 23 P a g e

34 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Paradise Irrigation District Division 5 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Utilities Code section A director at large shall be a resident and qualified elector of the district. California Public Utilities Code section Elector, voter, or qualified elector, means a voter whose name appears on the great register of the county in which the district is located, or any supplement thereto, allowed by law to be used to determine the eligibility of persons to vote at municipal or county elections, and whose address as it appears on the great register or supplement is in the same unincorporated territory as the address given by him on the certificate that is signed by him. Qualifications continued, next page 24 P a g e

35 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Chico Area Recreation and Park District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established under Government Code section shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. Durham Recreation and Park District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established under Government Code section shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. Qualifications continued, next page 25 P a g e

36 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Feather River Recreation and Park District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 3 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established under Government Code section shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. Paradise Recreation and Park District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established under Government Code section shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. 26 P a g e

37 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Paradise Recreation and Park District Short Term Term of Office Number of Positions 2 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established under Government Code section shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. Richvale Recreation and Park District Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 2 Directors Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Public Resources Code section 5784 (a) A legislative body known as the board of directors shall govern every district. The board of directors shall establish policies for the operation of the district. The board of directors shall provide for the faithful implementation of those policies which is the responsibility of the employees of the district. (b) Except as provided in this article, the board of directors consists of five members. (c) No person shall be a candidate for or be appointed to the board of directors unless he or she is a voter of the district or the proposed district. (d) Service on a municipal advisory council established pursuant to Section of the Government Code shall not be considered an incompatible office with service as an elected member of a board of directors. 27 P a g e

38 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) South Feather Water and Power Agency Division 2 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. South Feather Water and Power Agency Division 4 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Qualifications continued, next page 28 P a g e

39 Special Qualifications and Term of Office (Continued) Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 1 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 2 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. Thermalito Water and Sewer District Division 4 Term of Office Number of Positions 4 years 1 Director Term Begins December 2, 2016 Qualifications California Water Code section Each director shall be a voter and a landowner in the district and a resident of the division that he or she represents at the time of his or her nomination or appointment and through his or her entire term. 29 P a g e

40 Footnotes: Candidates seeking office must know the term of office. Generally terms are 4 years for most local public offices. In cases where there is a short term, the term is 2 years. Public Employee Retirees are subject to PEPRA, the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of Refer to Government Code sections and for additional details. 30 P a g e

41 Section 3 Candidate Filing Dates, Extension Period and Run Off Candidates

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43 Filing Dates and Deadlines for Candidates for Local Office July 18 Aug 12 Candidate filing period Aug 13 Aug 17 Candidate filing period extension period Aug 18 Sept 1 Random Alphabet Drawing Certified list of local candidates from Butte County Elections Office 31 P a g e

44 Candidate Filing Extension Period The Incumbent shall be the candidate who is running for the same office which he or she holds, and who is running for reelection in a district that has the same identical boundaries as the district from which he or she was last elected. (Elections Code section 13108). Extension of filing period when incumbent fails to file-schools If a declaration of candidacy for an incumbent member of a school district or community college district governing board or of a county board of education is not filed by 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the election, any person, other than the person who was the incumbent on the 88th day, shall have until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before an election to file a declaration of candidacy for the elective office. This section is not applicable where there is no incumbent eligible to be elected. If this section is applicable, notwithstanding section 10603, a candidate whose declaration of candidacy has been filed for any school district or community college district governing board election or county board of education election may withdraw as a candidate until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election. (Elections Code section 10604) Extension of filing period when incumbent fails to file-special districts Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any district or agency election, if a declaration of candidacy for an incumbent elective officer of a district is not filed by 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the general district election, any person other than the person who was the incumbent on the 88th day shall have until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election to file a declaration of candidacy for the elective office. This section is not applicable where there is no incumbent to be elected. If this section is applicable, notwithstanding section 10510, a candidate may withdraw his or her declaration of candidacy until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the general election. (Elections Code section 10516) 32 P a g e

45 Run Off Candidates from Primary Election Judicial Candidate Name on Ballot (a) In any county in which only the incumbent has filed nomination papers for the office of superior court judge, his or her name shall not appear on the ballot unless there is filed with the elections official, within 10 days after the final date for filing nomination papers for the office, a petition indicating that a write-in campaign will be conducted for the office and signed by at least 0.1 percent of the registered voters qualified to vote with respect to the office, provided that the petition shall contain at least 100 signatures but need not contain more than 600 signatures. (b) If a petition indicating that a write-in campaign will be conducted for the office at the general election, signed by the number of registered voters qualified to vote with respect to the office specified in subdivision (a), is filed with the elections official not less than 83 days before the general election, the name of the incumbent shall be placed on the general election ballot if it has not appeared on the direct primary election ballot. (c) If, in conformity with this section, the name of the incumbent does not appear either on the primary ballot or general election ballot, the elections official, on the day of the general election, shall declare the incumbent reelected. Certificates of election specified in Section or shall not be issued to a person reelected pursuant to this section before the day of the general election. (Elections Code section 8203) Change of Ballot Designation Between Primary and General Election The designation shall remain the same for all purposes of both primary and general elections, unless the candidate, at least 98 days prior to the general election, requests in writing a different designation which the candidate is entitled to use at the time of the request. (Elections Code section 13107(e)) Candidate Statement of Qualifications for Run-Off Candidate Run-off candidates may submit a new candidate statement of qualifications and advance payment to be printed in the general election sample ballot booklet. Refer to the section on Candidate Statements of Qualifications in this guide. 33 P a g e

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47 Section 4 Nomination Process

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49 Nomination Requirements Documents - All documents are available from the Butte County Elections Office. Only the official forms prepared or issued by the Butte County Elections Office may be used. Candidates, or their authorized agents, will be given instructions on the procedures to complete the nomination process. Nomination documents which must be filed - No candidate s name shall be printed on the ballot to be used at the direct primary unless the following nomination documents are delivered for filing to the county elections official: (1) Declaration of Candidacy pursuant to section 10510(a). Filing Deadlines - Refer to the Calendar of Events (which is a separate document) for a detailed list of dates and deadlines pertaining to being a candidate for elective office. The Calendar of Events is available from the Butte County Elections Office website or in print directly from the office. Local Candidate Filing Flowchart Declaration of Candidacy Code of Fair Campaign Practices Candidate Statement of Qualifications (optional) 35 P a g e

50 Declaration of Candidacy The Declaration of Candidacy is an official nomination document that is required to place the candidate s name on the ballot. The candidate must execute their Declaration of Candidacy in the Butte County Elections Office. (Elections Code section 10510(a)) All candidates must file a Ballot Designation Worksheet. Refer to Ballot Designation Worksheet and Ballot Designation Regulations in this guidebook. Candidates must consider how they wish their name to appear on the ballot. Refer to Candidate s Name on Ballot in this guidebook. The public is limited to viewing this document, only. (Elections Code section 17100) Below is a sample of the Declaration of Candidacy form: Note: It is important to be aware of the filing deadline for the Declaration of Candidacy. Refer to the Calendar of Events (separate document). 36 P a g e

51 Candidate s Name on Ballot The ballot name is the way you want your name to appear on the ballot. It may be designated as follows: First, middle, and last name; Initials only and last name; A nickname may be included but must be in quotation marks ; A familiar or common short version of the first name such as Bill for William or Becky for Rebecca, etc. A candidate may use a nickname in addition to his legal name provided his candidacy has been declared under such name on the declaration of candidacy. (A.G. Ops , 5/27/80) The candidate s name as shown on the Declaration of Candidacy is the manner in which it will appear on the ballot; it cannot be changed after the document is filed. (Elections Code sections 10513, 10602) No title or degree No title or degree such as Miss, Mrs., Mr., Dr., Ph.D, shall appear on the same line on a ballot as a candidate s name, either before or after the candidate s name. (Elections Code section 13106) Candidate change of name If a candidate changes his or her name within one year of any election, the new name shall not appear upon the ballot unless the change was made by either of the following: (a) Marriage. (b) Decree of any court of competent jurisdiction. (Elections Code section 13104) Printing of candidate s name The names of the candidates shall be printed on the ballot, without indentation, in roman capital, boldface type not smaller than eight-point. (Elections Code section 13211) 37 P a g e

52 Candidates with same name The following rules apply when a person who is a candidate for any office believes that another person with a name that is so similar that it may be confused with his or her name has filed or will file a nomination paper for the same office: (a) The candidate may, at the time of filing his or her nomination paper, or within five days after the time for filing nomination papers has expired, file with the elections official a statement that shall be in substance as follows: I, believe that another person, whose name is so similar to mine that it may be confused with mine, has filed or will file a nomination paper for the same office for which I have filed a nomination paper, and I therefore request and direct that the elections official assign a number to each candidate with a similar name to be printed on the ballot as a distinguishing mark. Name Candidate for the office of (b) The distinguishing mark shall be a number, commencing with the number 1 and continuing in numerical sequence until each candidate with a similar name has been assigned a distinguishing number, and shall be printed at the right of the name on the ballot. (c) The first candidate who filed his or her nomination papers shall have the number 1 and each subsequent candidate, based on the time of filing his or her nomination papers, shall be assigned the next number in numerical sequence. (d) In addition to the designated numbers that the elections official shall place on the ballot when the above conditions are met, he or she shall place on the ballot, immediately preceding the names of the candidates to be voted upon, the following warning: Warning! There are two (or applicable number) candidates for this office with identical names. This warning shall also be included, in a prominent manner, on any sample ballot, ballot pamphlet, or other mailing sent by the elections official, prior to the election, to persons eligible to vote for this office. (a) To determine the order on the ballot for the candidates with similar names, the elections official shall conduct a drawing of the numbers assigned to the candidates in a similar manner as provided for in Section (Elections Code section 13118) 38 P a g e

53 Order of Names on the Ballot Elections Code section specifies the order of precedence of offices on the ballot. The order in which candidates names shall be placed on the ballot is specified in Elections Code section and Rules for printing candidates on ballot Candidates for each office shall be printed on the ballot in accordance with the following rules (Elections Code section 13111): Presidential candidates Primary (a) The names of presidential candidates to whom candidates for delegate to the national convention are pledged, and the names of chairpersons of groups of candidates for delegate expressing no preference, shall be arranged on the primary election ballot by the Secretary of State by the names of the candidates in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section in the case of the ballots for the First Assembly District. Thereafter, for each succeeding Assembly district, the name appearing first in the last preceding Assembly district shall be placed last, the order of the other names remaining unchanged. Presidential candidates General (b) The names of the pairs of candidates for President and Vice President shall be arranged on the general election ballot by the Secretary of State by the names of the candidates for President in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section in the case of the ballots for the First Assembly District. Thereafter, for each succeeding Assembly district, the pair appearing first in the last preceding Assembly district shall be placed last, the order of the other pairs remaining unchanged. Statewide office candidates (c) In the case of all other offices, the candidates for which are to be voted on throughout the state, the Secretary of State shall arrange the names of the candidates for the office in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section for the First Assembly District. Thereafter, for each succeeding Assembly district, the name appearing first in the last preceding Assembly district shall be placed last, the order of the other names remaining unchanged. Representatives in Congress and State Board of Equalization candidates (d) If the office is that of Representative in Congress or member of the State Board of Equalization, the Secretary of State shall arrange the names of candidates for the office in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section for that Assembly district that has the lowest number of all the Assembly districts in which candidates are to be voted on. Thereafter, for each succeeding Assembly district in which the candidates are to be voted on, the names appearing first in the last preceding Assembly district shall be placed last, the order of the other names remaining unchanged. 39 P a g e

54 State Senate and State Assembly candidates (e) If the office is that of State Senator or Member of the Assembly, the county elections official shall arrange the names of the candidates for the office in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section 13112, unless the district encompasses more than one county, in which case the arrangement shall be made pursuant to subdivision (i). County Supervisor, central committees, school and special district candidates (f) If the office is to be voted upon wholly within, but not throughout, one county, as in the case of municipal, district, county supervisor, and county central committee offices, the official responsible for conducting the election shall determine the order of names in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section Countywide office candidates (rotates by supervisorial district) (g) If the office is to be voted on throughout a single county, and there are not more than four Assembly districts wholly or partly in the county, the county elections official shall determine the order of names in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section for the first supervisorial district. Thereafter, for each succeeding supervisorial district, the name appearing first for each office in the last preceding supervisorial district shall be placed last, the order of the other names remaining unchanged. Five or more Assembly districts (h) If there are five or more Assembly districts wholly or partly in the county, an identical procedure shall be followed, except that rotation shall be by Assembly district, commencing with the Assembly district which has the lowest number. State Senate and State Assembly candidates (multiple counties) (i) Except as provided in subdivision (d) of section 13112, if the office is that of State Senator or Member of the Assembly and the district includes more than one county, the county elections official in each county shall conduct a drawing of the letters of the alphabet, pursuant to the same procedures specified in section The results of the drawing shall be known as a county randomized ballot and shall be used only to arrange the names of the candidates when the district includes more than one county. Supreme Court and Associate Justice Candidates (j) If the office is that of Justice of the California Supreme Court or a court of appeal, the appropriate elections officials shall arrange the names of the candidates for the office in accordance with the randomized alphabet as provided for in section However, the names of the judicial candidates shall not be rotated among the applicable districts. (Elections Code section 13111) 40 P a g e

55 Random alphabet drawing The Secretary of State shall conduct a drawing of the letters of the alphabet, the result of which shall be known as a randomized alphabet. The procedure shall be as follows: (a) Each letter of the alphabet shall be written on a separate slip of paper, each of which shall be folded and inserted into a capsule. Each capsule shall be opaque and of uniform weight, color, size, shape, and texture. The capsules shall be placed in a container, which shall be shaken vigorously in order to mix the capsules thoroughly. The container then shall be opened and the capsules removed at random one at a time. As each is removed, it shall be opened and the letter on the slip of paper read aloud and written down. The resulting random order of letters constitutes the randomized alphabet, which is to be used in the same manner as the conventional alphabet in determining the order of all candidates in all elections. For example, if two candidates with the surnames Campbell and Carlson are running for the same office, their order on the ballot will depend on the order in which the letters M and R were drawn in the randomized alphabet drawing. (b) (1) There shall be six drawings, three in each even-numbered year and three in each odd-numbered year. Each drawing shall be held at 11 a.m. on the date specified in this subdivision. The results of each drawing shall be mailed immediately to each county elections official responsible for conducting an election to which the drawing is applicable, who shall use it in determining the order on the ballot of the names of the candidates for office. (A) The first drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the April general law city elections of an even-numbered year, and shall apply to those elections and any other elections held at the same time. (B) The second drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the direct primary of an even-numbered year, and shall apply to all candidates on the ballot in that election. (C) (i) The third drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the November general election of an even-numbered year, and shall apply to all candidates on the ballot in the November general election. (ii) In the case of the primary election and the November general election, the Secretary of State shall certify and transmit to each county elections official the order in which the names of federal and state candidates, with the exception of candidates for State Senate and Assembly, shall appear on the ballot. The elections official shall determine the order on the ballot of all other candidates using the appropriate randomized alphabet for that purpose. (D) The fourth drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the March general law city elections of each odd-numbered year, and shall apply to those elections and any other elections held at the same time. (E) The fifth drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of each odd-numbered year, and shall apply to all candidates on the ballot in the elections held on that date. (F) The sixth drawing shall take place on the 82nd day before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the odd-numbered year, and shall apply to all candidates on the ballot in the elections held on that date. (2) In the event there is to be an election of candidates to a special district, school district, charter city, or other local government body at the same time as one of the 41 P a g e

56 five major election dates specified in subparagraphs (A) to (F), inclusive, and the last possible day to file nomination papers for the local election would occur after the date of the drawing for the major election date, the procedure set forth in section shall apply. (c) Each randomized alphabet drawing shall be open to the public. At least 10 days prior to a drawing, the Secretary of State shall notify the news media and other interested parties of the date, time, and place of the drawing. (d) In the case of any special election for State Assembly, State Senate, or Representative in Congress, on the first weekday after the close of filing of nomination papers for the office, the Secretary of State shall conduct a public drawing to produce a randomized alphabet in the same manner as provided for in subdivisions (a) and (c). The resulting randomized alphabet shall be used for determining the order on the ballot of the candidates in both the primary election for the special election and in the special election. (Elections Code section 13112) 42 P a g e

57 Ballot Designation Worksheet Every candidate must complete a Ballot Designation Worksheet, which must be completely filled out. The Ballot Designation Worksheet supports your use of the occupational designation provided on your declaration of candidacy. The Ballot Designation Worksheet must be filed at the same time you file your declaration of candidacy. The public may purchase copies of this document (California Administrative Code section 20711(b)) If you fail to file the Ballot Designation Worksheet, no ballot designation shall appear under your name on the ballot (Elections Code section ) Refer to Ballot Designation Regulations in this guidebook. 43 P a g e

58 Ballot Designation Guidelines Ballot Designation Requirements A ballot designation can be no more than three words designating either the current principal professions, vocations, or occupations of the candidate, or the principal professions, vocations, or occupations of the candidate during the calendar year immediately preceding the filing of nomination documents. (Elections Code section 13107(a)(3)) All California geographical names shall be considered to be one word. Hyphenated words that appear in any generally available standard reference dictionary, published in the United States at any time within the 10 calendar years immediately preceding the election for which the words are counted, shall be considered as one word. Each part of all other hyphenated words shall be counted as a separate word. (Elections Code section 13107(a)(3)) Selecting Ballot Designation The ballot designation describes the current profession, vocation, occupation or incumbency status of the candidate that will appear under the candidate s name. Ballot Designations: 1. The listing of a designation on the ballot is optional. 2. A Ballot Designation Worksheet must be completed and filed at the time the Declaration of Candidacy is executed. 3. Ballot designations cannot be changed after the final date to file nomination documents. Only one of the following categories is allowed: 1. Elective Office Title: Words describing an elective office title may be used IF the candidate holds the office at the time nomination documents are filed and the office was filled by a vote of the people. Example A: Governing Board Member Example B: Governing Board Member, XYZ School District 2. Incumbent: The word Incumbent may be used IF the candidate is seeking reelection to the same office and was elected to that office by a vote of the people or was appointed as a nominated candidate in lieu of an election. (Elections Code section 13107(a)(2)) 3. Appointed Incumbent: The words Appointed Incumbent must be used IF the candidate was appointed to the office and is seeking election to that office. Exception: Candidates appointed to office in lieu of an election do not have to use the word appointed. (Elections Code section 13107(a)(4)) 44 P a g e

59 4. Principal Occupation: No more than three words can be used to describe the current principal professions, vocations or occupations of the candidate, or the principal professions, vocations or occupations of the candidate during the calendar year immediately preceding the filing of nomination documents. Example A: High School Teacher Example B: Attorney/Educator/Rancher Example C: CEO/Councilmember 5. Community Volunteer: A Community Volunteer shall constitute a valid principal vocation or occupation engaged in, or of service for, or on behalf of, without profiting monetarily, one or more of the following: a. A charitable, educational, or religious organization as defined by the U,S. Code section 501(c)(3); b. A governmental agency; or c. An educational institution. The vocation or occupation is subject to the following conditions: a. A candidate s community volunteer activities constitute his or her principal profession, vocation or occupation. b. A candidate may not use the designation of Community Volunteer in combination with any other principal profession, vocation or occupation. c. A candidate is not engaged concurrently in another principal profession, vocation or occupation. 6. No Ballot Designation: If no ballot designation is requested, write the words No Ballot Designation. You will be required to initial on the line next to the ballot designation on the Declaration of Candidacy to acknowledge that you are requesting no designation to be printed next to your name. (Elections Code section et seq.) For more detailed information regarding ballot designations, refer to Ballot Designation Regulations section in this guidebook. Ballot Designation Rejection If, upon checking the ballot designation worksheet, the elections official finds the designation to be a violation of any of the restrictions set forth in the Ballot Designation Regulations, they shall notify the candidate by certified mail return receipt requested. (Elections Code section 13107(c)) The candidate shall, within three days, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays, from the date the notice is received, appear at the Butte County Elections Office and provide a ballot designation that complies with the Ballot Designation Regulations. (Elections Code section 13107(c)(1)) Failure of a candidate to respond in the timeframe provided will mean no ballot designation shall be printed on the ballot. (Elections Code section 13107(c)(2)) 45 P a g e

60 Ballot Designation Regulations California Code of Regulations Title 2. Administration Division 7. Secretary of State Chapter 7. Ballot Designations Section General Provisions. (a) The regulatory purpose of this Chapter is to ensure the accurate designation of the candidate upon the ballot in order that an informed electorate may intelligently elect one of the candidates. (b) The Secretary of State shall, at all times, apply and interpret the provisions of Elections Code section and the regulations included in this Chapter in a manner consistent with the regulatory purpose of this Chapter. (c) Candidates are not required to use a ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a), and may opt to leave the space for such a designation on the ballot blank. In order to notify the elections official as to whether he or she will use a ballot designation or will opt to leave the ballot designation space blank, the candidate must initial the appropriate box on the Declaration of Candidacy or otherwise so indicate on the Declaration of Candidacy. (d) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a), a candidate may submit a proposed ballot designation pursuant to any one of the four provisions specified in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a), subparts (1) through (4), applicable to that candidate. The candidate shall be free to select from which of the applicable four subparts he or she is submitting his or her proposed ballot designation. (e) The regulations set forth in this Chapter shall apply only to elections held for offices for which elections returns are certified by the Secretary of State of the State of California. (f) Whenever, the word should is used in this Chapter, it is recommended, not mandatory. Section Ballot Designation Worksheet. (a) In order to facilitate review of a candidate's proposed ballot designation by the Secretary of State pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, the candidate shall submit, at the time of filing his or her proposed ballot designation on the Declaration of Candidacy, a completed Ballot Designation Worksheet on a form provided by the Secretary of State. (b) All Ballot Designation Worksheets filed with the Office of the Secretary of State or the county elections officials pursuant to this section shall be public records and shall be available for inspection and copying at the public counter of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, Fifth Floor, th Street, Sacramento, California 95814, or at the office of the applicable county elections official. (c) The Secretary of State shall provide a master copy or copies of the Ballot Designation Worksheet to all elections officials responsible for providing and accepting the nomination documents for candidates in elections for offices certified by the Secretary of State. The Ballot Designation Worksheet shall request that the candidate proposing the ballot designation provide the following information: (1) The candidate's name, home, business and mailing addresses, telephone 46 P a g e

61 numbers, address, if available, and fax number; (2) A designation of the office for which the candidate is seeking election; (3) The name, home, business and mailing addresses, telephone numbers, address, if available, and fax number of the attorney representing the candidate or for any other person to be contacted in the event the Secretary of State requires further information regarding the proposed ballot designation; (4) The proposed ballot designation submitted by the candidate; (5) The candidate may submit one or more proposed alternate ballot designations ranked in order of the candidate's preference; (6) A brief statement identifying the factual basis upon which the candidate claims the proposed ballot designation and each proposed alternate ballot designation, including the following: (A) If the candidate holds elected office and is submitting his or her proposed ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivisions (a)(1) or (a)(2), the candidate shall indicate the elective office he or she currently occupies and may attach a copy of his or her Certificate of Election; (B) If the candidate is a judicial officer and is submitting his or her proposed ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivisions (a)(1) or (a)(2), the candidate shall indicate the elective office he or she currently holds and may attach either (A) a copy of his or her Certificate of Election or (B) a copy of his or her commission or certificate of appointment, issued at the time the candidate was appointed to the judicial office which he or she currently occupies; (C) If the candidate submits a ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), the candidate shall indicate: (i) The title of the position or positions which he or she claims supports the proposed ballot designation; (ii) The dates during which the candidate held such position; (iii) A description of the work he or she performs in the position; (iv) The name of the candidate's business or employer; (v) The name and telephone number of a person or persons who could verify such information; and (vi) A statement that the professions, vocations or occupations relied upon to support the proposed ballot designation constitute the primary, main or leading professions, vocations or occupations of the candidate, in accordance with the definition of the term "principal" as set forth at section 20714, subdivision (b). (D) If the candidate submits a ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(4), the candidate shall indicate the date on which he or she was appointed to the office for which he or she is an appointed incumbent. (d) The candidate may attach or append any supporting documents or other exhibits to the Ballot Designation Worksheet which they believe support the proposed ballot designation. Such attached documents or other exhibits shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference as part of the candidate's Ballot Designation Worksheet and shall be considered as such by the Secretary of State. (e) If a candidate requests a change of ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107(e), that request shall be accompanied by a Ballot Designation Worksheet. 47 P a g e

62 Section Proposed Ballot Designations Submitted Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, Subdivision (a)(1). Proposed ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(1), shall be subject to the following provisions: (a) In the case of candidates holding elective city, county, district, state, or federal office, the candidate's ballot designation shall be the elective office which the candidate holds at the time of filing the nomination documents. (b) In the case of judicial officers, the candidate's ballot designation shall be the elective office which the candidate holds at the time of filing the nomination documents. (c) There shall be no word count limitation applicable to ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(1). (d) Proposed ballot designations indicating a position of legislative leadership or leadership in another elected body, such as "Majority Leader of the California Senate," "Minority Leader of the California State Assembly," "Speaker of the California State Assembly," "President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate," "City of Orange Mayor Pro Tem," and the like, are not elective offices described in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(1). Such ballot designations are improper, pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(1). They may, however, subject to the three-word limit, be considered under the provisions of section 13107(a)(3). Examples of acceptable ballot designations under this section include, but are not limited to, Assembly Minority Leader, California Assembly Speaker, and Mayor Pro Tem. (e) Proposed ballot designations indicating that the candidate is a member of the state or county central committee of a political party, or an officer of a state or county central committee of a political party, are improper, as such positions do not constitute elective county or state offices as specified in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(1). Section Proposed Ballot Designations Submitted Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, Subdivision (a)(2). Proposed ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(2), shall be subject to the following provisions: (a) A proposed ballot designation submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(2), is limited incumbent, as that term is defined in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(2). (b) The term incumbent must be used as a noun. It shall not be used in conjunction with any other words, including any accompanying adjectives or modifiers, and must stand alone. A candidate qualified to use this designation pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(2), shall be entitled to use the ballot designation Incumbent. (c) The word incumbent is strictly limited for use in ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(2), and may not be used as an adjective in any other ballot designation. Section Proposed Ballot Designations Submitted Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, Subdivision (a)(3). Proposed ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), shall be subject to the following provisions: (a) The terms "profession," "vocation," or "occupation," as those terms are used in 48 P a g e

63 Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), are defined as follows: (1) "Profession" means a field of employment requiring special education or skill and requiring knowledge of a particular discipline. The labor and skill involved in a profession is predominantly mental or intellectual, rather than physical or manual. Recognized professions generally include, but are not limited to, law, medicine, education, engineering, accountancy, and journalism. Examples of an acceptable designation of a "profession," as defined in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), include, but are not limited to, "attorney," "physician," "accountant," "architect," and "teacher." (2) "Vocation" means a trade, a religious calling, or the work upon which a person, in most but not all cases, relies for his or her livelihood and spends a major portion of his or her time. As defined, vocations may include, but are not limited to, religious ministry, child rearing, homemaking, elderly and dependent care, and engaging in trades such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, plumbing, and the like. Examples of an acceptable designation of a "vocation," as defined in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), include, but are not limited to, "minister," "priest," "mother," "father," "homemaker," "dependent care provider," "carpenter," "plumber," "electrician," and "cabinetmaker." (3) "Occupation" means the employment in which one regularly engages or follows as the means of making a livelihood. Examples of an acceptable designation of an "occupation," as defined in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), include, but are not limited to, "rancher," "restaurateur," "retail salesperson," "manual laborer," "construction worker," "computer manufacturing executive," "military pilot," "secretary," and "police officer." (b) "Principal," as that term is used in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), means a substantial involvement of time and effort such that the activity is one of the primary, main or leading professional, vocational or occupational endeavors of the candidate. The term "principal" precludes any activity which does not entail a significant involvement on the part of the candidate. Involvement which is only nominal, pro forma, or titular in character does not meet the requirements of the statute. (1) If a candidate is licensed by the State of California to engage in a profession, vocation or occupation, the candidate is entitled to consider it one of his or her "principal" professions, vocations or occupations if (i) the candidate has maintained his or her license current as of the date he or she filed his or her nomination documents by complying with all applicable requirements of the respective licensure, including the payment of all applicable license fees and (ii) the status of the candidate's license is active at the time he or she filed his or her nomination documents. (2) A candidate who holds a professional, vocational or occupational license issued by the State of California may not claim such profession, vocation or occupation as one of his or her "principal" professions, vocations or occupations if (i) the candidate's licensure status is "inactive" at the time the candidate files his or her nomination document, or (ii) the candidate's license has been suspended or revoked by the agency issuing the license at the time the candidate files his or her nomination documents. 49 P a g e

64 (c) In order for a ballot designation submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), to be deemed acceptable by the Secretary of State, it must accurately state the candidate's principal professions, vocations or occupations, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (a) and (b) herein. Each proposed principal profession, vocation or occupation submitted by the candidate must be factually accurate, descriptive of the candidate's principal profession, vocation or occupation, must be neither confusing nor misleading, and must be in full and complete compliance with Elections Code section and the regulations in this Chapter. (d) If the candidate is engaged in a profession, vocation or occupation at the time he or she files his or her nomination documents, the candidate's proposed ballot designation is entitled to consist of the candidate's current principal professions, vocations and occupations. In the event the candidate does not have a current principal profession, vocation or occupation at the time he or she files his or her nomination documents, the candidate may use a ballot designation consisting of his or her principal professions, vocations or occupations, which the candidate was principally engaged in during the calendar year immediately preceding the filing of the candidate's nomination papers. (e) A candidate may engage in multiple principal professions, vocations or occupations. Accordingly, the candidate may designate multiple principal professions, vocations or occupations. If a candidate proposes a ballot designation including multiple principal professions, vocations or occupations, the proposed ballot designation must comply with the following provisions: (1) The proposed ballot designation must comply with the three-word limitation specified in Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), and as implemented pursuant to subdivision (f) herein. (2) Each such proposed profession, vocation or occupation shall be separately considered by the Secretary of State and must independently qualify as a "principal" profession, vocation or occupation, as that term is defined pursuant to subdivision (b) herein. (3) When multiple professions, vocations or occupations are proposed as a ballot designation, they shall be separated by a slash ("/"). An example of an acceptable designation would be "Legislator/Rancher/Physician." (f) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3), the candidate's ballot designation shall be limited to not more than three (3) words. The following rules shall govern the application of the three-word limitation: (1) The proposed ballot designation shall be grammatically correct, generic, and all words must be spelled correctly. (2) Punctuation shall be limited to the use of a comma (e.g., District Attorney, Los Angeles County) and a slash (e.g., Legislator/Rancher/Physician), pursuant to subdivision (e) of this section. A hyphen may be used if, and only if, the use of a hyphen is called for in the spelling of a word as it appears in a standard reference dictionary of the English language, which was published in the United States at any time within the 10 calendar years immediately preceding the election for which the words are counted. (3) All California geographical names shall be considered to be one word and shall be limited to the names of cities, counties and states. The names of special districts and political subdivisions are not "geographical names," as that term is used in Elections 50 P a g e

65 Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3). If the candidate desires, the geographical name may be used in the form of "City of...," "County of...," or "City and County of..." Examples of geographical names considered to be one word include Tehama County, Los Angeles County or County of Sacramento. Examples of designations containing a special district or political subdivision that are not geographical names include Butte County Rural Fire District Captain, Huntington Beach Unified School District President, or South Bay Irrigation District Director. (4) An acronym shall be counted as one word. (g) A candidate who chooses to include the name of his or her elective office with another profession, vocation, or occupation may do so pursuant to Elections Code section 13107(a)(3), but that ballot designation shall be limited to no more than three words. Examples of acceptable designations under this section include State Senator/Rancher, California Assemblywoman/Attorney, County Supervisor/Teacher, and State Controller/Businessman. Examples of unacceptable designations under this section include Assemblyman, 57 th District/Educator, California State Senator/Architect, Placer County Supervisor/Business Owner, and Member, Board of Equalization/Banker. Section Community Volunteer. (a) Community Volunteer means a person who engages in an activity or performs a service for or on behalf of, without profiting monetarily, one or more of the following: (1) A charitable, educational, or religious organization as defined by the United States Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3); (2) A governmental agency; or (3) An educational institution. (b) The activity or service must constitute substantial involvement of the candidate s time and effort such that the activity or service is the sole, primary, main or leading professional, vocational or occupational endeavor of the candidate within the meaning of subdivisions (a) and (b) of section of this Chapter. Note: Authority cited: section , Government Code; section (b), Elections Code. Reference: sections and , Elections Code; section 501(c)(3), United States Internal Revenue Code. Section Proposed Ballot Designations Submitted Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, Subdivision (a)(4). (a) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(4), a candidate may propose a ballot designation consisting of the phrase appointed incumbent if the candidate holds an office, other than a judicial office, by virtue of appointment, and the candidate is a candidate for election to the same office. The candidate may not use the unmodified word incumbent or any words designating the office unmodified by the word appointed. (b) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(4), a candidate may propose a ballot designation consisting of the word appointed in conjunction with the elective office, if the candidate is a candidate for election to the same office or to some other office. The candidate may not use any words designating the office unmodified by 51 P a g e

66 the word appointed. (c) There shall be no word count limitation applicable to ballot designations submitted pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(4). Section Unacceptable Ballot Designations. (a) The Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which fails to comply with Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a); is prohibited pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b); is misleading; or is otherwise improper pursuant to the regulations set forth in this Chapter. (b) The following types of activities are distinguished from professions, vocations and occupations and are not acceptable as ballot designations pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (a)(3): (1) Avocations: An avocation is a casual or occasional activity, diversion or hobby pursued principally for enjoyment and in addition to the candidate's principal profession, vocation or occupation. Avocations may include, but are not limited to, hobbies, social activities, volunteer work (except as set forth in section of this Chapter), and matters pursued as an amateur. (2) Pro Forma Professions, Vocations and Occupations: Pro forma professions, vocations or occupations are positions held by the candidate which consume little or none of the candidate's time and which, by their nature, are voluntary or for which the candidate is not compensated, except as set forth in section of this Chapter. Pro forma professions, vocations and occupations may include, but are not limited to, such pursuits as honorary peace officer, honorary chairperson, honorary professor, goodwill ambassador, official host or hostess and the like. (3) Statuses: A status is a state, condition, social position or legal relation of the candidate to another person, persons or the community as a whole. A status is generic in nature and generally fails to identify with any particular specificity the manner by which the candidate earns his or her livelihood or spends the substantial majority of his or her time. Examples of a status include, but are not limited to, veteran, proponent, reformer, scholar, founder, philosopher, philanthropist, activist, patriot, taxpayer, concerned citizen, husband, wife, and the like. (c) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(1), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which would mislead voters. In making this determination, the Secretary of State shall determine whether there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonably prudent voter would be misled as to the candidate's principal profession, vocation or occupation by the candidate's proposed ballot designation. The determination shall take into account the plain meaning of the words constituting the proposed ballot designation and the factual accuracy of the proposed ballot designation based upon supporting documents or other evidence submitted by the candidate in support of the proposed ballot designation, pursuant to sections and of this Chapter. (d) A ballot designation may not comprise or include commercial identification information, such as a trademark, service mark, trade name, or the specific name of a business, partnership, corporation, company, foundation, or organization. Examples of an improper use of commercial identification information include, but are not limited to, "Acme Company President," "Universal Widget Inventor," "Director, Smith Foundation," "UCLA 52 P a g e

67 Professor," and the like. (e) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(2), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which would suggest an evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, honesty, integrity, leadership abilities or character. Any laudatory or derogatory adjectives which would suggest an evaluation of the candidate's qualifications shall not be permitted. Such impermissible adjectives include, but are not limited to, senior, emeritus, specialist, magnate, "outstanding," "leading," "expert," "virtuous," "eminent," "best," "exalted," "prominent," "famous," "respected," "honored," "honest," "dishonest," "corrupt," "lazy," and the like. (f) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(3), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which abbreviates the word "retired" or places it following any word or words which it modifies. Examples of impermissible designations include "Ret. Army General," "Major USAF, Retired" and "City Attorney, Retired." (g) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(4), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which uses a word or prefix to indicate a prior profession, vocation, occupation or elected, appointed or judicial office previously held by the candidate. Such impermissible words or prefixes include, but are not limited to, "Ex-," "former," "past," and "erstwhile." Examples of impermissible designations include "Former Congressman," "Ex-Senator," and "Former Educator." (h) (1) Subject to the provisions of Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(4), use of the word "retired" in a ballot designation is generally limited for use by individuals who have permanently given up their chosen principal profession, vocation or occupation. (2) In evaluating a proposed ballot designation including the word "retired," the Secretary of State will consider the following factors in making a determination as to the propriety of the use of the term "retired": (A) Prior to retiring from his or her principal profession, vocation or occupation, the candidate worked in such profession, vocation or occupation for more than 5 years; (B) The candidate is collecting, or eligible to collect, retirement benefits or other type of vested pension; (C) The candidate has reached at least the age of 55 years; (D) The candidate voluntarily left his or her last professional, vocational or occupational position; and, (E) The candidate's retirement benefits are providing him or her with a principal source of income. (3) If a candidate is requesting a ballot designation that he or she is a retired public official, the candidate must have previously voluntarily retired from public office, not have been involuntarily removed from office, not have been recalled by voters, and not have surrendered the office to seek another office or failed to win reelection to the office. If such a candidate did not voluntarily retire from public office, he or she may not use the word retired in his or her ballot designation. (4) A candidate may not use the word retired in his or her ballot designation if that candidate possesses another more recent, intervening principal profession, vocation, or occupation. 53 P a g e

68 (i) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(5), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which uses the name of any political party, whether or not it has qualified for recognized ballot status. (j) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(6), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which uses a word or words referring to a racial, religious, or ethnic group. (1) The Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any ballot designation which expressly contains or implies any ethnic or racial slurs or ethnically or racially derogatory language. (2) If the candidate is a member of the clergy, the candidate may not make reference to his or her specific denomination. However, the candidate may use his or her clerical title as a ballot designation (e.g., Rabbi, Pastor, Minister, Priest, Bishop, Deacon, Monk, Nun, Imam, etc.). (k) Pursuant to Elections Code section 13107, subdivision (b)(7), the Secretary of State shall reject as unacceptable any proposed ballot designation which refers to any activity prohibited by law. Unlawful activity includes any activities, conduct, professions, vocations, or occupations prohibited by state or federal law. Section Requests for Supporting Documentation. In addition to the Ballot Designation Worksheet required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Elections Code section and section of this Chapter, the Secretary of State may request that a candidate submit additional supporting documentation or other evidence to support the proposed ballot designation. (a) Time is of the essence regarding all matters pertaining to the review of proposed ballot designations submitted by candidates for public office. Failure to promptly submit requested supporting materials will preclude consideration of such materials in and the rendering of a final decision on the candidate's proposed ballot designation. (b) The Secretary of State will communicate, whenever possible, with the candidate in the most expeditious manner, including, but not limited to, telephone, facsimile transmission and electronic mail at the number or address provided by the candidate. When the candidate does not have reasonable access to a facsimile machine or electronic mail, the Secretary of State will transmit written communication to the candidate by means of overnight express delivery to the address provided by the candidate. (c) The candidate shall have the burden of establishing that the proposed ballot designation that he or she has submitted is accurate and complies with all provisions of Elections Code section and this Chapter. Section Communication of Decisions Regarding Ballot Designations. (a) If a candidate s proposed ballot designation has been rejected, an official copy of the decision of the Secretary of State will be made in writing and transmitted directly to the candidate by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address provided by the candidate. The Secretary of State shall also provide a copy to the elections official in the candidate's county of residence and to the elections official of each county within the political subdivision. Copies may also be made available to all other candidates in the race. (b) At the request of the candidate, the Secretary of State will transmit a copy of the 54 P a g e

69 decision of the Secretary of State regarding the candidate's proposed ballot designation by facsimile transmission or to the facsimile number or address listed on the candidate's Ballot Designation Worksheet. (c) All written decisions of the Secretary of State regarding ballot designations are public records and are available for inspection and copying at the public counter of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, th Street, Fifth Floor, Sacramento, California Section Service of Legal Process Regarding Ballot Designations. (a) In the event a candidate or other interested party files a petition for the issuance of an extraordinary writ with the court or other legal action pertaining to a candidate's ballot designation, the summons and any other legal process should be served upon the Chief Counsel to the Secretary of State, th Street, Sixth Floor, Sacramento, California The Chief Counsel may designate a Deputy Secretary of State to accept service of process on behalf of the Secretary of State. (b) Telephone notice pertaining to any ex parte applications filed with the court by any candidate or other interested party should be directed to the attention of the Chief Counsel to the Secretary of State at (916) Counsel for all parties to such ex parte matters are admonished that waivers of the Secretary of State's right to timely notice and the right to personally appear at the ex parte hearing will be granted in writing and only in limited instances. (c) The Secretary of State shall provide a copy of any legal actions in subdivision (a) or (b) above to the elections official in the county of the candidate's residence and any other county in the district. (d) The Secretary of State shall be named as a respondent in any legal action pertaining to a ballot designation for a candidate described in Elections Code section 15375, except for a candidate for judge of the superior court. 55 P a g e

70 Candidate Public Contact Information Release All candidates must complete this worksheet. This provides the public with contact information for your campaign. 1. Print candidate name as you want it to appear on the ballot Note: Refer to Candidate s Name on Ballot in this guidebook 2. Print a phonetic pronunciation of your name* 3. Print the office you are running for 4. Public Information Print contact information to be made available to the public only, for items Sign and date form * We provide the disabled public with a touch screen unit for casting a ballot. Visually impaired voters use the audio ballot function in the equipment. Our office prepares an audio ballot and we must have a proper pronunciation to assist in the recording of the audio. 56 P a g e

71 Code of Fair Campaign Practices At the time an individual is issued any paper evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official shall give the individual a form and a copy of this chapter. The elections official shall inform each candidate for public office that subscription to the code is voluntary. (Elections Code section 20440) Below is a sample of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices Form: Voluntary Subscription In no event shall a candidate for public office be required to subscribe to or endorse the code. (Elections Code SECTION 20444) Public Record Every code subscribed to by a candidate for public office pursuant to this chapter is a public record open for public inspection. (Elections Code section 20443) Secretary of State to Supply Forms The Secretary of State shall print, or cause to be printed, blank forms of the code. The Secretary of State shall supply the forms to the elections officials in quantities and at times requested by the elections officials. (Elections Code section 20441) Retention of Code of Fair Campaign Practices Forms The elections official shall accept, at all times prior to the election, all completed forms that are properly subscribed to by a candidate for public office and shall retain them for public inspection until 30 days after the election. (Elections Code section 20442) 57 P a g e

72 CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES California Elections Code section There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play which every candidate for public office in the State of California has a moral obligation to observe and uphold in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional right to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues. THEREFORE: (1) I SHALL CONDUCT my campaign openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them, presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and criticizing without fear or favor the record and policies of my opponents or political parties that merit this criticism. (2) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or his or her personal or family life. (3) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any appeal to negative prejudice based on a candidate s actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sex, including gender identity, or any other characteristic set forth in section of the Government Code, or association with another person who has any of the actual or perceived characteristics set forth in section of the Government Code. (4) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections, or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters including acts intended to hinder or prevent any eligible person from registering to vote, enrolling to vote, or voting. (5) I SHALL NOT coerce election help or campaign contributions for myself or for any other candidate from my employees. (6) I SHALL IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY REPUDIATE support deriving from any individual or group that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of my opponent, to the methods and tactics that I condemn. I shall accept responsibility to take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections. (7) I SHALL DEFEND AND UPHOLD the right of every qualified American voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process. I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of California or treasurer or chairperson of a committee making any independent expenditures, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices. Office Sought: Election: Candidate s Name: Signature: Date: 58 P a g e

73 Candidate Statement of Qualifications Who May File a Statement Each candidate for nonpartisan office in any local agency, county, city or district, may prepare a Candidate Statement of Qualifications. The statement may include the name, age and occupation of the candidate and a brief description, of no more than 200 words, of the candidate s education and qualifications expressed by the candidate. (Elections Code section 13307(a)(1)) The Candidate Statement of Qualifications is optional for all candidates. Filing Deadline The statement shall be filed in the office of the elections official no later than the 88 th day before an election. (Elections Code section 13307(a)(2)) Refer to the Calendar of Events (separate document) for filing deadline. Multi-County Offices Candidate Statement of Qualifications If you are a candidate for an office to be elected in more than one county, and you wish to submit a Candidate Statement of Qualifications, it is your responsibility to contact each county. The county will provide you with their guidelines and form for submitting your statement and the advance payment amount required when the statement is filed. Candidate Statement of Qualifications must be submitted to each county no later than the filing deadline. Refer to the Calendar of Events (separate document) for filing deadline. Preparing the Statement All statements must be submitted with the Candidate Statement of Qualifications form provided by the county elections official. (Elections Code section 13307(a)(1)) You may print your statement directly on the form or attach a separate sheet containing your printed statement. If attaching a separate sheet, at the top of the page you must place your name, the office you are seeking and, at your option, your age and your occupation. See Word Count Guidelines, next page. 59 P a g e

74 Word Count Guidelines Counting of words, for purposes of this code, shall be as follows: Punctuation... Not Counted All Proper Nouns including Geographical Names... Counted; one word Abbreviations... Counted, one word Numbers Digits (1, 10, 100 etc.)... Counted, one word Spelled Out (one, ten, one hundred, etc.)... Counted, per word Dates All Digits (6/5/2012)... Counted, one word Words and Digits (June 5, 2012)... Counted, two words Monetary Amounts (if the $ sign is used with figure - $1,000.00)... Counted, one word Hyphenated Words... Counted, per word If word appears in a 10 year old or newer standard dictionary... Counted, one word Note: Hyphenated words that appear in any generally available standard reference dictionary, published in the United States at any time within the 10 calendar years immediately preceding the election for which the words are counted, shall be considered as one word. Each part of all other hyphenated words shall be counted as a separate word. Telephone Numbers... Counted, one word Internet Website addresses... Counted, one word This section shall not apply to counting words for ballot designations under Elections Code section (Elections Code section 9) * All California geographical names shall be considered to be one word and shall be limited to the names of cities, counties and states. However, any areas that have political boundaries with an elected or appointed board are also considered geographical areas by the Butte County Elections Office. 60 P a g e

75 Statement Content All candidates are allotted a 1/4 page space for printing their candidate statement in the sample ballot booklet. Do not use more than 3-4 paragraphs as your statement will not conform to the guidelines provided and be reformatted to fit in the 1/4 page space. Your statement must be 200 words or less. Use upper and lower case letters. Keep a 2 clear space in the top margin for file stamping. Use block paragraph style with spacing between paragraphs. Do not use more than 3-4 paragraphs. Do not use bold, underlines, italics, bullets, symbols or signs. Do not use excessive capitalization, tables, lists, or any unusual spacing or punctuation or the statement will be reformatted. Statements shall be limited to candidate s own personal background, education, and qualifications. It shall not make reference to other candidates, their qualifications, character or activities. Do not refer to any political party. Do not refer to membership or activity in any political organizations. It is illegal to make any false comments or remarks intending to mislead the voter. It is illegal to make slanderous, libelous, obscene or profane comments or insinuations in the statement. Proof read statement thoroughly. Errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar will not be corrected. Statements that do not follow the guidelines above will be reformatted by the Elections Office. No Reference to Another Candidate The Candidate Statement of Qualifications is be limited to a recitation of the candidate s own personal background and qualifications, and shall not in any way make reference to other candidates for that office or to another candidate s qualifications, character, or activities. The elections official shall not cause to be printed or circulated any statement that the elections official determines is not so limited or that includes any reference prohibited by this section. (Elections Code section 13308) False Statements; Penalty Any candidate in an election or incumbent in a recall election who knowingly makes a false statement of a material fact in a candidate s statement, prepared pursuant to section or 13307, with the intent to mislead the voters in connection with his or her campaign for nomination or election to a nonpartisan office is punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). (Elections Code section 18351) 61 P a g e

76 Advance Payment Required The local agency will determine the cost of printing the statement. Printing costs are based on the printer s price list for the election. Costs vary based on the number of pages in the sample ballot booklet and the number of candidates who submit statements. The candidate is required to provide a check with not to exceed the amount for one (1) candidate filing a statement written under the amount line. (Elections Code section 13307(c)) All checks will be held in the Elections Office until after the final deadline to withdraw a candidate statement. Estimated Advance Payment The estimated advance payment for printing the Candidate Statement of Qualifications is: *Quantities and statement cost amounts are not final. Jurisdiction Estimated Cost County Offices $2097 Butte County Board of Education TA 1 $1115 Butte County Board of Education TA 4 $307 Butte-Glenn Community College District $2097 Biggs Unified School District $178 Chico Unified School District $1115 Durham Unified School District $201 Gridley Unified School District $229 Marysville Joint Unified School District $155 Paradise Unified School District $543 Oroville Union High School District $580 Bangor Union Elementary School District $161 Feather Falls Union Elementary School District $ P a g e

77 Estimated Advance Payment, Continued Jurisdiction 1 Candidate Golden Feather Union Elementary School District $179 Manzanita Elementary School District $160 Oroville City Elementary School District $380 Palermo Union School District $210 Pioneer Union Elementary School District $168 Thermalito Union School District $231 El Medio Fire Protection District $189 Durham Irrigation District $165 Paradise Irrigation District $413 Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District $247 Chico Area Recreation and Park District $1079 Durham Recreation and Park District $201 Feather River Recreation and Park District $569 Paradise Recreation and Park District $562 Richvale Recreation and Park District $154 South Feather Water and Power Agency $332 Thermalito Water and Sewer District $ P a g e

78 Preparing Advance Payment Check Advance payment is required when filing a candidate statement of qualifications. The check shall be made in the amount not to exceed the advance payment required. Below is a sample of how the check should be completed by the candidate: John A. Doe Any Street Our Town, CA August 2, 2013 PAY to Butte County Elections Office Dollars Not to exceed one thousand one hundred two and 50/100 dollars Bank of Our Town For Candidate statement fee John A. Doe : : $ Alleged Indigency; Procedures If a candidate alleges to be indigent and unable to pay in advance the requisite fee for submitting a candidate statement, the candidate shall submit to the local agency a statement of financial worth to be used in determining whether or not he or she is eligible to submit a candidate statement without payment of the fee in advance. The statement of financial worth shall be submitted by the candidate together with his or her candidate statement in accordance with the deadline specified in Elections Code section The statement of financial worth form shall be furnished by the local agency, and may include questions relating to the candidate s employer, income, real estate holdings, tangible personal property, and financial obligations. The candidate shall certify the content of the statement as to its truth and correctness under penalty of perjury. The candidate shall also sign a release form of the candidate s most recent federal income tax report. Upon receipt of a statement of financial worth, a determination shall be made by the local agency of whether or not the candidate is indigent. The local agency shall notify the candidate of its findings. If it is determined that the candidate is not indigent, the candidate shall, within three days of the notification, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, withdraw the statement or pay the requisite fee. If the candidate fails to respond within the time prescribed, the local agency shall not be obligated to print and mail the statement. If the local agency determines that the candidate is indigent, the local agency shall print and mail the statement. 64 P a g e

79 Nothing in this section shall prohibit the elections official from billing the candidate his or her actual pro rata share of the cost after the election. (Elections Code section 13309) Confidentiality Notwithstanding the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code), Candidate Statements of Qualifications shall remain confidential until the expiration of the filing deadline. (Elections Code section 13311) Withdrawal of the Statement The statement may be withdrawn, but not changed, until 5 p.m. of the next working day after the close of the nomination period. (Elections Code section 13307(a)(3)) Final Cost Determination, Payment and Receipt Following the statement withdrawal period, the number of statements filed in each office will be determined. If more than one candidate has filed a statement, the Elections Office will calculate the final cost and fill in the proper amount on the check. The candidate will be notified in writing of the final amount for printing their Candidate Statement of Qualification along with their receipt and a copy of the check. Public Examination and Challenges (a) The elections official shall make a copy of the material referred to in Elections Code section available for public examination in the elections official s office for a period of 10 calendar days immediately following the filing deadline for submission of those documents. Any person may obtain a copy of the candidate s statements from the elections official for use outside of the elections official s office. The elections official may charge a fee to any person obtaining a copy of the material, and the fee may not exceed the actual cost incurred by the elections official in providing the copy. (b) (1) During the 10-calendar-day public examination period provided by this section, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the elections official, himself or herself, may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction requiring any or all of the material in the candidates statements to be amended or deleted. The writ of mandate or injunction request shall be filed no later than the end of the 10-calendarday public examination period. (2) A peremptory writ of mandate or an injunction shall issue only upon clear and convincing proof that the material in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter, and that issuance of the writ or injunction will not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of official election materials as provided by law. (3) The elections official shall be named as respondent and the candidate who authored the material in question shall be named as the real party in interest. In the case of the elections official bringing the mandamus or injunctive action pursuant to this subdivision, the board of supervisors of the county shall be named as the respondent and the candidate who authored the material in question shall be named as the real party in interest. (Elections Code section 13313) 65 P a g e

80 Sample Ballot Booklet Format and Style Each voter s pamphlet prepared pursuant to Elections Code section shall contain a statement in the heading of the first page in heavy-faced gothic type, not smaller than 10-point, that: (a), the pamphlet does not contain a complete list of candidates and that a complete list of candidates appears on the sample ballot (if any candidate is not listed in the pamphlet), and that (b), each candidate s statement in the pamphlet is volunteered by the candidate, and (if printed at the candidate s expense) is printed at his or her expense. (Elections Code section 13312) The Candidate Statement of Qualifications will be typeset in Helvetica font in 10 point size. The Statement will be printed in uniform type, style and spacing. Block paragraph style will be used. Order of Statements in Sample Ballot Booklet First, statements are organized by the order of the offices to appear on the ballot. (Elections Code section 13109) Thereafter, statements are organized by the randomized alphabet drawing. Refer to Order of Names on the Ballot in this guidebook. 66 P a g e

81 Sample Printed Candidate Statement This is a reduced-size sample of a 200-word Candidate Statement of Qualifications as it will appear in the Sample Ballot Booklet. Please keep in mind that your statement must fit in this 1/4 page frame space. LOCAL NONPARTISAN CANDIDATES STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS The following pages may not contain a complete list of candidates. A complete list of candidates appears on the Sample Ballot. Each statement is volunteered by, and (unless otherwise determined by the governing body) is printed at the expense of, the candidate. The candidate s statement is not corrected for grammar nor spelling errors. COUNTY SUPERVISOR 1ST DISTRICT JOAN BEA CANDIDATE Age 42 Occupation: Teacher I can bring to this office a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Born and raised in Butte County, 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 CSUC, and with my experience in the rental and real estate fields, I appreciate the practical housing requirements of our community. My credentials include: Graduate of local high schools; CSUC graduate with a B.S. and MBA; US Air Force sergeant; married and parent of two; small business owner; homeowner. In addition, I have served in the following clubs and organizations: Rotary; Chamber of Commerce; Sierra Club; PTA; Arts Council; Rock the Vote; and League of Women Voters. The Spanish translation would appear here for candidates who request and purchase a Spanish translation of their Candidate Statement. If elected to this office, I will do my best to continue to serve as a leader and role model for our community and children. These spaces would be used for other candidates running for the same office. Candidate Statements will appear in the same order as the candidates names appear on the ballot. 67 P a g e

82 Authorization for Candidate s Representative AUTHORIZATION TO PICK UP AND/OR FILE CANDIDATE NOMINATION DOCUMENTS If you are unable to appear in person at the Butte County Elections Office, you must supply a written statement (Authorization for Candidate s Representative) to receive candidate filing forms. The Authorization for Candidate s Representative includes the candidate s acknowledgement that they are aware of the filing deadline as printed in the Calendar of Events. (Elections Code section 8028(b)) Below is a sample of the Authorization form. 1. Print candidate s (your) name 2. Print name as you want it to appear on your documents Note: Refer to Candidate s Name on Ballot in this guidebook 3. The office you are seeking. (include district, division, trustee area or judicial department number) 4. Candidate s (your) mailing address 5. Candidate s (your) residence address 6. Contact telephone, FAX or information 7. Persons authorized to act on candidate s (your) behalf 8. Documents your authorized agent may obtain (check all boxes that apply) 9. Candidate s (your) signature 68 P a g e

83 Section 5 Write-In Candidacy

84

85 Write-In Candidacy Filing Requirements; Statement and Nomination Papers Every person who desires to be a write-in candidate and have his or her name as written on the ballot of an election counted for a particular office shall file: (a) A statement of write-in candidacy that contains the following information: (1) Candidate s name. (2) Residence address. (3) A declaration stating that he or she is a write-in candidate. (4) The title of the office for which he or she is running. (5) The party nomination which he or she seeks, if running in a partisan primary election. (6) The date of the election. (7) A certification of the candidate s complete voter registration and party affiliation/preference history for the preceding 10 years, or for as long as he or she has been eligible to vote in the state if less than 10 years, if running for a voternominated office. (8) For any of the offices described in section 13.5, a statement that the candidate meets the statutory and constitutional requirements for that office as described in that section. (b) The requisite number of signatures on the nomination papers, if any, required pursuant to sections 8062, 10220, and 10510, or, in the case of a special district not subject to the Uniform District Election Law (Part 4 (commencing with section 10500) of Division 10), the number of signatures required by the principal act of the district. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person may not be a write-in candidate at the general election for a voter-nominated office. (Elections Code section 8600) 69 P a g e

86 Filing Deadline The statement and nomination papers shall be available on the 57th day prior to the election for which the candidate is filing as a write-in candidate, and shall be delivered to the elections official responsible for the conduct of the election no later than the 14th day prior to the election. (Elections Code section 8601) Nomination Paper Format The nomination papers for a write-in candidate shall be substantially in the same form as set forth in section (Elections Code section 8602) Signers of Nomination Papers Signers of nomination papers for write-in candidates shall be voters in the district or political subdivision in which the candidate is to be voted on. In addition, if the candidate is seeking a party nomination for an office, the signers shall also be affiliated with the party whose nomination is sought. (Elections Code section 8603) Filing Fees No fee or charge shall be required of a write-in candidate except in the case of a candidate for city office, as provided in section (Elections Code section 8604) 70 P a g e