Candidate Filing

This page is used to provide forms and information to candidates for elected offices, including what forms are needed for specific types of offices. The information and forms are provided as a convenience for candidates, and it is up to the individual filing for an elected office to ensure they have the correct forms and file with the correct agency.

Candidate Filing Procedures

Candidates must come to our office in person to pick up documents for filing for office.  If applicable, filing fees must be paid prior to receiving nomination documents.  Candidates must come to our office in person, during normal business hours, to file their documents with original signatures, and take their oath prior to the filing deadline.  Office hours are M-F from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., excluding holidays. Contact us for questions, or more details, during normal business hours at (707) 565-6800.

Where to File

To run for state, county, and most school or special district offices, file at the Registrar of Voters Office.  To run for city offices, file with your City/Town Clerk.

District Lookup

Click here to check which district you live in (use your residential address). Most offices require you to live in the district.

Filing Deadlines

Filing deadlines are election-specific and can be found on the Timeline Calendar of each election page. In addition, a more detailed Campaign Guide and Calendar of Events is made available approximately three months prior to Election Day for the following three types of elections:

• Odd-year Uniform District Elections
• Even-year Primary Elections
• Even-year General Elections

Candidate Filing Matrix

Required Documents:

Additional Documents Provided:

Required campaign statements depend on the amount of money a candidate plans to raise or spend (excluding personal funds used for the filing fee and/or fee for the Statement of Qualifications)

• Raising/Spending $0: Form 470 (except central committee candidates)
• Raising/Spending $0.01 - $1,999.99: Form 470 & Form 501
• Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more: Form 410 & Form 501 (as well as Form 460 by reporting deadlines -- see FPPC filing schedule)
• See Campaign Finance page for more information

Candidate Filing Documents

• Campaign Finance Statements
  • Required campaign statements depend on the amount of money a candidate plans to raise or spend (excluding personal funds used for the filing fee and/or fee for the Statement of Qualifications)
  • Form 470 Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement — Short Form and Form 470 Supplement (PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $0 (except central committee candidates)
    • Raising/Spending $0.01 - $1,999.99
  • Form 501 Candidate Intention Statement (PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $0.01 - $1,999.99
    • Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more
  • Form 410 Statement of Organization Recipient Committee (PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more
  • Form 460 Recipient Committee Campaign Statement (PDF)
    • Raising/Spending $2,000.00 or more
    • On FPPC Filing Schedule
• Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
  • FPPC Instructions and Current Form
• Declaration of Candidacy (in office only)
• Candidate Information Sheet (PDF)
• Declaration of Intention (in office only, after payment of fees)
• Statement of Qualifications Form (Optional)
  • For U.S. Representative, State Senate, and State Assembly Offices (PDF)
  • For School, County, City/Town, and Special District Offices (PDF)
• Ballot Designation Worksheet (PDF)
• Nomination Petition (in office only, after payment of fees)
• Code of Fair Campaign Practices (Optional) (PDF: 45kB)
• Government Code § 84305 Notice (PDF)
• Campaign Guide
  • Specific to each election
• Local Campaign Ordinance – Sonoma County (PDF)
  • See City / Town for applicable local campaign ordinance

Office Terms