Overview

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

Upcoming Sonoma County Holidays

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

Events

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

Dates Variable

Registrar of Voters Office (Ongoing Until E-88)

LOCAL MEASURE LETTER ASSIGNMENTS

It is the policy of the Registrar of Voters Office that local measure letters be assigned alphabetically in the order they are filed.

• ▶ Elections Code § 13116

Candidates for Special District Offices (Before Raising Any Money)

CANDIDATE INTENTION STATEMENT (FORM 501)

Prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan, or the expenditure of any personal funds, any individual who intends to be a candidate for a special district office shall file a Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) with the Registrar of Voters Office. See the Campaign Disclosure Requirements chapter of this Guide for more information.

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

Candidates for Special District Offices (Before $2,000 or More Is Raised)

CAMPAIGN BANK ACCOUNT/STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION (FORM 410)

Upon the filing of the Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501), any special district candidate who raises contributions of $2,000 or more in a calendar year shall establish a campaign account at an office of a financial institution located in the State of California and deposit all contributions or loans into the account before making any expenditures. In addition, the candidate must file an original Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State as well as a copy with Registrar of Voters Office within ten days. Personal funds used to pay filing or candidate statement fees are not counted toward the $2,000 threshold. See the Campaign Disclosure Requirements chapter of this Guide for more information.

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

Committees Supporting or Opposing Special District Candidates or Local Measures (Within 10 Days of Making an Independent Expenditure of $1,000 or More to Support or Oppose a Single Special District Candidate or Local Measure)

VERIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (FORM 462)

If a committee makes an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more in a calendar year to support or oppose a single candidate or single ballot measure, the committee must email the Fair Political Practices Commission a Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462) within ten days. This form is used to identify an individual responsible for ensuring that the campaign committee’s independent expenditures are not coordinated with the listed candidate or measure committee (or opponent), and that the committee will report all contributions and reimbursements as required by law.

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

July 2, 2025

Special District Secretaries (E-125)

PROVIDE NOTICE OF ELECTION AND MAP OF DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

On or before the 125th day prior to the general district election, the district secretary for each special district up for election shall deliver a notice to the Registrar of Voters Office containing the elective offices of the district to be filled at the next election and whether the district or the candidate is to pay for the publication of the optional Statement of Qualifications in the County Voter Information Guide. The notice shall bear the secretary’s signature and the district’s seal.

The district secretary shall also deliver a map of the district boundaries (or, in lieu thereof, a statement indicating that there have been no changes to the boundary lines) to the Registrar of Voters Office. Jurisdictional boundary changes occurring less than 125 days before an election shall not be effective for purposes of that election

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 10509, 10522, 12262, 13307

July 7, 2025

Special District Boards of Directors (E-120)

POLICY REGARDING CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Before the nominating period opens, local agencies scheduled for election shall make the following determinations regarding publication of candidates’ optional Statements of Qualifications in the County Voter Information Guide:

• Whether the district or candidate must pay the cost of printing the Statement of Qualifications. This decision shall not be revoked or modified after the seventh day before the opening of the nominating period (July 7, 2025).
• If candidates are to pay for the printing of Statements, whether a payment must be made to the district prior to the filing of the nomination papers, or the district will bill the candidates after the election.

A written statement of the policy with respect to charges for handling, packaging, and mailing shall be provided to each candidate with nomination papers.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 13307(a), 13307(d), 13307(f)

July 7 to August 6, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-120 to E-90)

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR SPECIAL DISTRICT OFFICES

At least 90 and not more than 120 days before the date fixed for the general district election, the Registrar of Voters Office shall publish a notice of election once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district. The notice shall contain the names of offices for which candidates may file to run and shall state the qualifications as required by the principal act for each office, the location where the declaration of candidacy forms may be obtained and filed, and the final day and time forms will be accepted for filing. The notice shall also state that if there are no nominees or insufficient nominees for the office and a petition for an election is not filed with the Registrar of Voters Office within the time prescribed by law, appointments will be made.

• ▶ Elections Code § 12112

July 14 to August 8, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-113 to E-88)

NOMINATION PERIOD

Period for filing nomination documents for special district offices for the general district election. Special district candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy in the Registrar of Voters Office, 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa, during regular work hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding County holidays). Forms must be filed in person, by designated representative, or by certified mail (PO Box 11485, Santa Rosa, CA 95406-1485) and received no later than 5 p.m. on the final filing date. Candidates who do not appear in person to file nomination documents bear the responsibility of errors or omissions which could affect their candidacy.

No candidate shall withdraw his/her Declaration of Candidacy after 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the date of the election except in cases when the nomination period has been extended due to an incumbent elective officer of a district not filing.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 10220 et seq., § 10407, §§ 10510 et seq.; Government Code § 87201

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-113 to E-88)

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Any candidate for a special district office may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide at the time his or her nomination documents are filed. If a district requires payment in advance, the candidate must pay the district and bring proof of payment at the time of filing. Once filed, the statement may be withdrawn (but not changed) until 5 p.m. on the next regular business day following the close of nominations. All statements remain confidential until the close of the nomination (or extended nomination) period.

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

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

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-113 to E-88)

CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

Any candidate for a special district office who does not anticipate spending or receiving $2,000 or more in a calendar year may file an Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470), which does not require detailed information concerning receipts and expenditures.

Any candidate for a special district office who raises contributions of $2,000 or more in a calendar year must open a bank account and submit a Statement of Organization (Form 410).

Any candidate for a special district office who already filed a Form 470 because they did not originally intend to receive $2,000 or more in a calendar year but now does anticipate receiving $2,000 or more in a calendar year shall do the following:

1. Establish a campaign account before the $2,000 expenditure threshold is reached.
2. Complete and send an original Statement of Organization (Form 410) to the Secretary of State’s Office and file a copy with the Registrar of Voters Office.
3. Complete and send an original Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470) Supplement to the Secretary of State’s Office, the Registrar of Voters Office, and each other candidate seeking the same office. This notice is required to be filed within 48 hours of receiving or making contributions or expenditures of $2,000 or more.

See the Campaign Disclosure Requirements chapter of this Guide for more information.

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

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-113 to E-88)

STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS (FORM 700)

Any candidate for a special district office must file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) no later than the final filing date for the Declaration of Candidacy (August 8, 2025) if it is required by the Conflict of Interest Code for the jurisdiction or by state law. This statement shall not be required if the candidate filed a statement for the same jurisdiction 60 days or less from the date they file their Declaration of Candidacy.

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

Candidates for Special District Offices; Registrar of Voters Office (E-113 to E-88)

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

At the time a candidate is issued their Declaration of Candidacy, nomination papers, or any document evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official shall issue a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and the provisions of Elections Code §§ 20440 et seq. The official shall inform each candidate for public office that signing the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary. Forms so filed shall be retained for public viewing until 30 days after the election.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 20400 et seq.

July 31, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices; Committees Supporting or Opposing Candidates for Special District Offices or Local Measures (Date Fixed by Law)

SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS DUE

All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the November 4, 2025, Uniform District Election, shall file a semi-annual statement no later than July 31, 2025, for the period beginning January 1, 2025 (or from the date of last filing) and ending June 30, 2025.

• ▶ Government Code §§ 84200, 84218

August 6 to November 4, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices; Committees Supporting or Opposing Candidates for Special District Offices or Local Measures (E-90 to E-Day)

90-DAY REPORTING PERIOD FOR LATE CONTRIBUTIONS & INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

Candidates, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees that make or receive a late contribution or loan that totals in the aggregate $1,000 or more during the 90-day election cycle before an election must report late monetary contributions within 24 hours and non-monetary contributions within 48 hours by personal delivery, fax, or guaranteed overnight service.

Committees that make independent expenditures of $1,000 or more in connection with a candidate for elective local office or a local ballot measure during the 90-day election cycle before an election must file a report by fax, guaranteed overnight delivery, personal delivery, or email with the local filing officer within 24 hours. Regular mail may not be used.

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

August 8, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices; Registrar of Voters Office (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE OR WITHDRAW NOMINATION DOCUMENTS

All nomination documents must be filed or withdrawn no later than 5 p.m. on this date (unless the nomination period for the special district office ends up being extended).

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

This is also the recommended date for candidates for special district offices who do not intend to raise or spend $2,000 or more in connection with seeking or holding office to file the Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470).

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

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Last day a candidate for a special district office may submit a Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide (unless the nomination period for the special district office ends up being extended). The Statement must be submitted before the candidate completes their nomination documents.

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

Local Governing Bodies (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE LOCAL MEASURES

Whenever an election called by a local governing body for the submission of any question, proposition or office to be filled, is to be consolidated with a statewide election, the jurisdiction calling the election shall, not later than 5 p.m. on this date, file with the Board of Supervisors, and a copy to the Registrar of Voters Office, a resolution of its governing board requesting such consolidation and setting forth the exact form of any question, proposition or office to be voted upon at such election, as it is to appear on the ballot. Measures that exceed 75 words must be abbreviated to 75 words or less to appear on the ballot. The resolution requesting the consolidation shall be adopted and filed at the same time as the ordinance, resolution or order calling the election.

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

Local Governing Bodies (E-88)

DEADLINE TO FILE TAX RATE STATEMENT FOR LOCAL BOND MEASURES

Last day for a local governing body putting a bond measure on the ballot to file a Tax Rate Statement. Tax Rate Statements shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide for any bond issue proposed by a county, city/town, district, or other political subdivision, or by any agency, department or board thereof, the security for which constitutes a lien on the property for ad valorem taxes within the jurisdiction and the proposal for which is required to be submitted to the voters for approval.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 9400 et seq.

Registrar of Voters Office; City/Town Clerks (E-88)

REQUEST FOR IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS

Whenever a school, county, or special district measure qualifies for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure text to County Counsel, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on existing law. The analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

Whenever a city/town measure qualifies for the ballot, the city/town council may direct the city/town clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the city/town attorney. The city/town attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on existing law. The analysis shall not exceed 500 words.

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters Office has fixed and determined that E-81 (August 15, 2025) shall be the date when all impartial analyses are due.

• ▶ Elections Code § 9160

Registrar of Voters Office (E-88)

REQUEST FOR FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR COUNTY MEASURES

Whenever a county measure qualifies for the ballot, the Registrar of Voters Office shall transmit a copy of the measure to the County Auditor. The Board of Supervisors may direct the County Auditor to prepare a Fiscal Impact Statement estimating any increase or decrease in revenues or cost to the county if the measure is adopted. The Fiscal Impact Statement shall not exceed 500 words.

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides, as well as to permit the 10-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters Office has fixed and determined that E-81 (August 15, 2025) shall be the date when all fiscal analyses are due.

• ▶ Elections Code § 9160

Registrar of Voters Office (E-88)

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

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

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

August 9 to August 13, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-87 to E-83)

EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD

If an incumbent eligible to be elected for a special district office fails to file the required nomination documents by 5 p.m. on E-88, anyone other than the incumbent who is otherwise qualified shall have an additional five calendar days (until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election) to file for that office. This section does not apply when there is no incumbent eligible to be elected.

If this section is applicable, notwithstanding Election Code § 10510, a candidate for the affected office may withdraw his or her nomination documents until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the date of the election

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

August 9 to August 18, 2025

Public; Registrar of Voters Office (E-87 to E-78)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials due on E-88 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days. Such materials include candidates’ Statements of Qualifications (for offices that are not going to extension), measure full texts, and tax rate statements for bond measures. Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters, may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction requiring any or all such materials to be amended or deleted. A peremptory writ of mandate or an injunction shall be issued only upon clear and convincing proof that the material in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements set forth in the Elections Code. The issuance of the writ or injunction must also not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of official election materials as provided by law.

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

August 11, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices (Next Working Day After E-88)

DEADLINE TO WITHDRAW STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Any candidate for a special district office that did not go into extension has until 5 p.m. on this day to withdraw their Statement of Qualifications.

• ▶ Elections Code § 13307(a)(3)

August 13, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-83)

DEADLINE FOR EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD

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

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

Local Governing Bodies (E-83)

DEADLINE TO AMEND OR WITHDRAW BALLOT MEASURE

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever a local governing body has ordered that a measure or proposal be submitted to the voters of any jurisdiction at a special election, the order of election shall not be amended or withdrawn after the 83rd day prior to the election.

The order of election shall be amended or withdrawn upon the filing of a resolution by the legislative body stating the specifics concerning the amendment or withdrawal. The resolution shall be filed with the elections official not later than the 83rd day prior to the election.

• ▶ Elections Code § 9605

August 14, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices (Next Working Day After E-83)

DEADLINE TO WITHDRAW STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 13307(a)(3)

Secretary of State; Registrar of Voters Office (E-82)

RANDOMIZED ALPHABET

The Secretary of State shall conduct a drawing of the alphabet to determine the order of the names of the candidates for special district offices to appear on the ballot.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 13111, 13112

August 14 to August 23, 2025

Public; Registrar of Voters Office (E-82 to E-73)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-83

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials due on E-83 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days. Such materials include candidates’ Statements of Qualification for offices that went into extension. Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the Elections Code. For more details on this process, refer to the PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88 entry in the “E-87 to E-78” section of this Calendar of Events.

• ▶ Elections Code § 13313

August 15, 2025

Proponents/Opponents of Local Measures (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ARGUMENTS FOR/AGAINST LOCAL MEASURES (EXCEPT CITY/TOWN MEASURES)

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

Suggested deadline for city/town clerks to accept arguments from proponents/opponents of city/town measures. Actual date set by city/town council or city/town clerk. Check with city/town clerk for further details.

Arguments shall not exceed 300 words and must be accompanied by a Statement of Accuracy and signed by the author(s). Forms are available from the Registrar of Voters Office (or, for city/town measures, from the city/town clerk clerk). Each argument shall be titled either “Argument in Favor of Measure …” or “Argument Against Measure …” (letter designation to be filled in after assignment).

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

County Counsel; City/Town Attorneys (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS FOR LOCAL MEASURES

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

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

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

County Auditor (E-81)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR COUNTY MEASURES

Based on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print County Voter Information Guides while allowing for the 10-calendar-day public examination period, the Registrar of Voters Office has set this date as the deadline for the County Auditor – if so directed by the Board of Supervisors – to transmit a Fiscal Impact Statement for any county measure. This analysis/statement estimates any increase or decrease in revenues or cost to the county if the measure is adopted. The Fiscal Impact Statement (if any) shall be printed in the County Voter Information Guide along with County Counsel’s Impartial Analysis, preceding the arguments/rebuttals for/against the measure (if submitted). The Fiscal Impact Statement shall not exceed 500 words.

• ▶ Elections Code § 9160

August 16 to August 25, 2025

Public; Registrar of Voters Office (E-80 to E-71)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-81

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-81 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days. Such materials include tax rate statements for bond measures, impartial analyses for all measures, Fiscal Impact Statements for county measures, and arguments in favor of or against all measures. Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the Elections Code. For more details on this process, refer to the PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88 entry in the “E-87 to E-78” section of this Calendar of Events.

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

August 22, 2025

Proponents/Opponents (E-74)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR LOCAL MEASURES (EXCEPT CITY/TOWN MEASURES)

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

Rebuttal arguments are only permitted if both an argument in favor and an argument against the measure were filed by E-81. Rebuttal arguments shall not exceed 250 words and must be accompanied by a Statement of Accuracy and signed by the author(s). Forms are available from the Registrar of Voters Office (or, for city/town measures, from the city/town clerk). Each rebuttal argument shall be titled either “Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure …” or “Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure …” (letter designation to be filled in after assignment).

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

August 23 to September 1*, 2025

Public; Registrar of Voters Office (E-73 to E-64)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-74

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make a copy of certain election materials that were due on E-74 available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days. Such materials include rebuttal arguments. Any person may obtain a copy of the materials but a fee may be charged.

During the 10-day review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the Registrar of Voters Office, may seek a judicial remedy if they believe such materials contain information that is false, misleading, or inconsistent with requirements set forth in the Elections Code. For more details on this process, refer to the PUBLIC EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION MATERIALS DUE ON E-88 entry in the “E-87 to E-78” section of this Calendar of Events.

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

*Since September 1, 2025, is a holiday (Labor Day), use September 2, 2025, instead.

August 28, 2025

Secretary of State; Registrar of Voters Office (E-68)

DEATH OF A CANDIDATE

Whenever a candidate for a special district office has filed a Declaration of Candidacy, the name of the candidate shall be printed upon the ballot unless the candidate has died and that fact has been ascertained by the Registrar of Voters Office at least 68 days before the election.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 8803, 8810

September 5, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-60)

FIRST DAY TO MAIL BALLOTS TO MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 3105(b)(1)

September 8 to October 21, 2025

Write-In Candidates for Special District Offices (E-57 to E-14)

WRITE-IN PERIOD

Period during which any individual wishing to become a qualified write-in candidate for a special district office can obtain and file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy at the Registrar of Voters Office. No filing fee is required to run as a write-in candidate for a special district office.

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

September 20, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-45)

DEADLINE TO MAIL BALLOTS TO MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS

By this date, the Registrar of Voters Office must transmit ballots by mail, fax, or email, to all active military or overseas voters. Although this date falls on a Saturday, it does not get pushed back to the next business day because it is a federal deadline.

• ▶ Elections Code § 3105(b)(1)

September 25, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices; Committees Supporting or Opposing Candidates for Special District Offices or Local Measures (E-40)

FIRST PREELECTION CAMPAIGN STATEMENT DUE

Deadline for candidates for special district offices, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees to file (by first class mail or personal delivery) the first preelection campaign statement covering the reporting period of July 1, 2025, through September 20, 2025 (E-45).

• ▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(a)

Candidates for Special District Offices (E-40)

OFFICEHOLDER AND CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN STATEMENT – SHORT FORM (FORM 470)

Deadline for candidates who expect to receive or spend less than $2,000 during the calendar year to file Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470) (if they have not already filed it with their nomination documents).

• ▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(a)

October 6, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP

First day voters can pick up Vote-by-Mail ballots at the Registrar of Voters Office. Vote-by-Mail ballots must be either:

• Returned by mail. In order to be considered timely cast, they must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Registrar of Voters Office no later than seven days after Election Day (November 11, 2025).
• Dropped off at the Registrar of Voters Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• Taken to any open Vote Center by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• Deposited at an Official Ballot Drop Box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

If the voter is unable to return the ballot themselves, they can designate another person to do so, but the designated person must return the ballot no later than three days after receiving it from the voter or before the close of polls on Election Day, whichever time period is shorter.

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

Registrar of Voters Office (E-29)

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

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

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 3000.5, 3001, 3005

Registrar of Voters Office (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL ENVELOPE SIGNATURE VERIFICATION CAN BEGIN

The Registrar of Voters Office may begin to process Vote-by-Mail return envelopes beginning 29 days before Election Day. This includes verifying each voter’s signature on the Vote-by-Mail ballot return envelope and updating voter history records.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 3019, 15101

Registrar of Voters Office (E-29)

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT PROCESSING CAN BEGIN

Any jurisdiction having the necessary computer capability may start to process Vote-by-Mail ballots on the 29th day before the election. Processing Vote-by-Mail ballots includes opening Vote-by-Mail ballot return envelopes, removing ballots, duplicating any damaged ballots, and preparing the ballots to be machine read, or machine reading them, including processing write-in votes so they can be tallied by the machine. However, under no circumstances may a vote count be accessed or released until 8 p.m. on the day of the election.

• ▶ Elections Code § 15101(b)

October 7 to November 4, 2025

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

OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP BOXES OPEN

Official Ballot Drop Boxes are open 24/7 from October 7, 2025, until November 4, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.

• ▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)(1)(A)

October 14, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-21)

DEADLINE TO MAIL COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION GUIDES

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

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 13303, 13304, 13306

October 20, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-15)

CLOSE OF STANDARD VOTER REGISTRATION

Deadline for any qualified elector to submit a standard registration form to vote in the upcoming election. Any person who has moved, changed their name, or wishes to change their political party affiliation should re-register by this date. After this date, qualified electors who wish to register can still do so but must “conditionally” register and vote. Contact the Registrar of Voters Office to learn more about this process.

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

October 21, 2025

Write-In Candidates for Special District Offices (E-14)

DEADLINE TO FILE TO BECOME A QUALIFIED WRITE-IN CANDIDATE

Last day for any individual who wishes to become a qualified write-in candidate for a special district office to file a Statement of Write-In Candidacy at the Registrar of Voters Office. No filing fee is required to run as a write-in candidate for a special district office.

• ▶ Elections Code § 8601

October 21 to November 4, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-14 to E-Day)

CONDITIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION AND VOTING

Period during which qualified electors can “conditionally” register and vote if they have missed the E-15 standard registration deadline (October 20). Each conditional voter registration and conditional ballot will be reviewed by county elections officials to verify that the individual was eligible to vote and did not already vote elsewhere. If so, the registration becomes permanent and the conditional ballot is counted. Contact the Registrar of Voters Office to learn more about this process.

• ▶ Elections Code § 2170

October 23, 2025

Candidates for Special District Offices; Committees Supporting or Opposing Candidates for Special District Offices or Local Measures (E-12)

SECOND PREELECTION CAMPAIGN STATEMENT

Deadline for candidates, ballot measure committees, and recipient committees to file (by overnight service or personal delivery but not first-class mail) the second preelection campaign statement covering the reporting period of September 21, 2025 (E-44), through October 18, 2025 (E-17).

• ▶ Government Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8(b)

October 25, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-10)

NOTICE OF CENTRAL COUNTING PLACE

The Registrar of Voters Office shall publish, at least 10 days before the election, in a newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction, a notice specifying the public place to be used to tally votes when ballots are to be counted in a central counting place.

• ▶ Elections Code § 12109

Registrar of Voters Office (E-10)

MAILING NON-ENGLISH FACSIMILE BALLOTS

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 13400

October 25 to November 4, 2025

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (E-10 to E-Day)

11-DAY VOTE CENTERS ARE OPEN

Period during which a limited number of Vote Centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Election Day when they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Note: Certain smaller elections might be exempt from this requirement. See Elections Code § 4005(b).

• ▶ Elections Code § § 4005(a)(4)(A), 4005(b)

October 28, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E-7)

LAST DAY VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED TO VOTERS

Last day for the Registrar of Voters Office to mail out ballots. After this date, any voter may still apply in person for a Vote-by-Mail ballot at the Registrar of Voters Office or at any open Vote Center. Voters unable to request a ballot in person may fill out an Application to Provide Vote-by-Mail Ballot to Representative (PDF, Spanish) to have somebody else pick up the ballot on their behalf. For more details, refer to the EMERGENCY VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS entry in the “E-6 to Election Day” section of this Calendar of Events

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 3001, 3003, 3102

City/Town Clerks; Registrar of Voters Office (E-7)

NOTICE OF ELECTION (CITY/TOWN MEASURES)

If a city/town measure is placed on the ballot, the city/town clerk (or Registrar of Voters Office on behalf of the city/town clerk) shall not less than one week before the election publish a synopsis of the measure in a newspaper of general circulation. The notice shall be titled “Measure To Be Voted On.”

• ▶ Elections Code § 12111; Government Code § 6061

Registrar of Voters Office (E-7)

NOTICE OF VOTE CENTERS

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 12105

October 29 to November 4, 2025

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (E-6 to Election Day)

EMERGENCY VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

Period during which a voter may fill out an application to have an emergency Vote-by-Mail ballot picked up and delivered to them by somebody else if they meet both of the following two conditions:

1. They do not have (or never received) the original Vote-by-Mail ballot that was mailed to them.
2. They are unable to go to a Vote Center due to an unexpected illness, handicap, or absence.

In these cases, the voter may designate an authorized representative to pick up their ballot on their behalf by filling out the Application to Provide Vote-by-Mail Ballot to Representative (PDF, Spanish). The representative must take the application along with them and go to the Registrar of Voters Office to pick up the ballot. Note: This service is not offered at Vote Centers.

• ▶ Elections Code § 3021

November 1 to November 4, 2025

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (E-3 to Election Day)

4-DAY VOTE CENTERS OPEN

Period during which numerous additional Vote Centers (on top of the 11-Day Vote Centers) are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Election Day when they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.).Note: Certain smaller elections might be exempt from this requirement. See Elections Code § 4005(b).

• ▶ Elections Code § § 4005 (a)(4)(B), 4005(b)

November 4, 2025

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (Election Day)

ELECTION DAY

Both 11-day and 4-day Vote Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vote-by-Mail ballots may be returned in person or by a designated person not later than 8 p.m. either to the Registrar of Voters Office, any Vote Center in the State, or any Official Ballot Drop Box in the State.

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

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (Election Day)

DEADLINE FOR VOTERS TO MAIL VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)

Registrar of Voters Office (Election Day)

OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP BOXES CLOSE

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

• ▶ Elections Code § 4005(a)(1)(A)

November 6, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office (E+2)

DEADLINE TO COMMENCE OFFICIAL CANVASS

No later than the Thursday following the election, the Registrar of Voters Office shall commence the official canvass of votes cast. The canvass shall be open to the public and, for state or statewide elections, shall result in a report of results to the Secretary of State. The canvass shall be continued daily (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted) for not less than six hours each day until completed.

During the official canvass of every election in which a voting system is used, the Registrar of Voters Office shall conduct a public manual tally of the ballots tabulated by those devices, including Vote-by-Mail ballots.

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

November 11, 2025

Voters; Registrar of Voters Office (E+7)

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE ELECTION DAY

Vote-by-Mail ballots are considered timely cast if they are received by the Registrar of Voters Office no later than seven days after the election and either:

• The ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day (or is time/date stamped by a bona fide private mail delivery company on or before Election Day).
• The ballot has no postmark (or the postmark is illegible) but the return envelope is signed and dated by the voter on or before Election Day.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 3011, 3020(b)

November 24, 2025

Registrar of Voters Office; Local Governing Bodies (last Monday before last Friday of November)

COMPLETION OF CANVASS

The Registrar of Voters Office shall prepare a certified statement of the results of the election and submit it to each local governing body participating in the election within 30 days of the election or, in the case of school district, community college district, county board of education or special district elections conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years, no later than the last Monday before the last Friday of that month.

Upon receipt of the certified statement of the results of the election from the Registrar of Voters Office, the governing body shall declare elected or nominated to each office voted on at each election under its jurisdiction the person(s) having the highest number of votes for that office. The governing body shall also declare the results of each election under its jurisdiction as to each measure voted on at the election.

The Registrar of Voters Office shall make out and deliver to each person elected or nominated, as declared by the governing body, except those elected to a central committee, a certificate of election or nomination, signed and authenticated by the Registrar of Voters Office.

• ▶ Elections Code §§ 15372, 15400, 15401

January 31*, 2026

Candidates for Special District Offices; Committees Supporting or Opposing Candidates for Special District Offices or Local Measures (Date Fixed by Law)

SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN STATEMENT DUE

All candidates and committees filing campaign finance statements in conjunction with the November 4, 2025, Uniform District Election, shall file a semi-annual statement no later than January 31, 2026, for the period beginning July 1, 2025 (or from the date of last filing), and ending December 31, 2025.

• ▶ Government Code §§ 84200, 84218

*Since January 31, 2026, is a Saturday, use February 2, 2026, instead.

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