Campaign Finance
Overview
The Political Reform Act was adopted as a statewide initiative (Proposition 9) by an overwhelming vote of the electorate in 1974.
The law requires detailed disclosure of the role of money in California politics. This includes the disclosure of contributions and expenditures in connection with campaigns supporting or opposing state and local candidates and ballot measures as well as the disclosure of expenditures made in connection with lobbying the State Legislature and attempting to influence administrative decisions of state government.
Online Campaign Finance Statements
Pursuant to Government Code Section § 84615 Campaign Reports and Statements – Electronic Filing for Local Agencies, Sonoma County is pleased to offer Campaign Disclosure Statements available via the web, free of charge via SouthTech Systems’ eRetrieval™. You can access the County’s Campaign Statements electronically, 24/7, from the comfort of your own desktop or mobile device!
The Political Reform Act of 1974
The Political Reform Act of 1974 requires each of the following to file financial statements disclosing contributions received and expenditures made:
- All candidates for state and local elective office
- All state and local elected officeholders
- Proponents of state and local ballot measures who control a ballot measure committee
- Committees supporting or opposing state and local candidates
- All measure and petition circulation committees
The Fair Political Practices Commission
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is a five-member independent, non-partisan commission that has primary responsibility for the impartial and effective administration of the Political Reform Act. The Act regulates campaign financing, conflicts of interest, lobbying, and governmental ethics.
The Commission’s objectives are to ensure that public officials act in a fair and unbiased manner in the governmental decision-making process, to promote transparency in government, and to foster public trust in the political system.
Filing Campaign Statements
When to File
Every candidate and committee must be aware of the filing schedules associated with their specific election. Missing a filing deadline can have serious consequences ranging from monetary penalties, failure to be listed on the ballot, or FPPC enforcement action.
Important: It is the responsibility of the candidate and/or committee to be aware of, and to file, the required campaign disclosure statements in a correct and timely manner.
Important:
Government Code §91013 provides for a fine of $10 per day for the late filing of any campaign disclosure statements after the deadline and until the statement is filed.
If you are unsure which filing schedule applies to your election, you can contact the Fair Political Practices Commission for assistance.
Where to File
Generally, candidates and committees involved in state elections (constitutional officers, Senate, Assembly, statewide ballot measures) file with the Secretary of State’s office, while those involved in county, city or special district elections file with the local elections office.
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