CALIFORNIA FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) Campaign Rules
California law closely regulates various aspects of political campaigns.
The California Political Reform Act imposes certain duties and obligations on candidates, officeholders, committee treasurers and others participating in the political process.
For example:
In addition Torrance has its own Campaign Finance Ordinance.
Candidates must file an FPPC Form 501 Candidate Intention Statement with the City Clerk prior to seeking office.
Committees receiving contributions of $2,000 or more must file an original and a copy of a Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State within 10 days of qualification. The committee will be assigned an identification number and will be notified by the Secretary of State. A copy of the Statement of Organization is to be filed with the City Clerk at the same time.
Officeholders and candidates who do not have a controlled committee and who anticipate receiving less than $2,000 and spending less than $2,000 during each entire calendar year may reduce their filing obligation by filing Form 470 Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Statement - Short Form. When and if contributions or expenditures total $1,000 or more written notification is required within 48 hours using the same form.
Visit the Fair Political Practices Commission’s website for information about: www.FPPC.ca.gov
California law closely regulates various aspects of political campaigns.
The California Political Reform Act imposes certain duties and obligations on candidates, officeholders, committee treasurers and others participating in the political process.
For example:
- Detailed records must be maintained for all financial activity; and contributions received for political purposes must not be commingled with personal funds.
- Campaign statements must be filed at specified times disclosing contributions received, expenditures made and other financial information. In some cases, candidates can avoid filing campaign statements by submitting a “Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Statement Short Form (Form 470).”
- Campaign statements must be hand delivered or postmarked as first-class mail by the legal filing deadline date established by law.
In addition Torrance has its own Campaign Finance Ordinance.
Candidates must file an FPPC Form 501 Candidate Intention Statement with the City Clerk prior to seeking office.
Committees receiving contributions of $2,000 or more must file an original and a copy of a Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the Secretary of State within 10 days of qualification. The committee will be assigned an identification number and will be notified by the Secretary of State. A copy of the Statement of Organization is to be filed with the City Clerk at the same time.
Officeholders and candidates who do not have a controlled committee and who anticipate receiving less than $2,000 and spending less than $2,000 during each entire calendar year may reduce their filing obligation by filing Form 470 Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Statement - Short Form. When and if contributions or expenditures total $1,000 or more written notification is required within 48 hours using the same form.
Visit the Fair Political Practices Commission’s website for information about: www.FPPC.ca.gov
- Campaign Finance Filing Deadlines
- Campaign Reporting Forms / Manuals
- Fast Facts – FAQs & Where to File Campaign Finance Reports
- Donor Disclosure for Multi-Purpose Organizations Spending in California Elections
- Political Advertisement Disclaimer Charts
