Elections ~ City of Oakland, California

Elections

The Elections and Compliance Unit of the Office of the City Clerk is responsible for conducting and supervising municipal elections. We can provide you with helpful information regarding voting and elections including registering to vote, polling places and more.

We also provide nomination packets and general information regarding campaign filings. Candidates are strongly recommended to familiarize themselves with all applicable provisions of Oakland's City Charter, Oakland's Campaign Reform Act (OCRA), the Municipal Elections Code and the Political Reform Act of 1974. The mechanics of campaigning and campaign strategy are matters for the candidates and their staff. It wouldn't be appropriate for the City Clerk's office to become involved with these facets of election activities. We will try our best, however, to answer questions within our purview.

Important Election Information

The next regular election will take place November 6, 2012.

2012 Expenditure Ceilings for City of Oakland Elected Officials and Candidates

OCRA FORM 301

Frequently asked Questions

Qualifying a Ballot Initiative

Campaign Disclosure Filing Schedule

General Candidate Information

Resources

Sample Nomination Documents

The Nomination Period opens 113 days before an election and closes 88 days before the election. During the nomination period, those persons interested in running for elected office may pick up a Candidate Nomination Packet. A representative of the candidate may obtain a Candidate Nomination Packet with written authorization from the candidate. The Candidate must appear personally to file nominations papers however.

Those running for district offices must be a registered voter and resident of the district for which they seek nomination for at least thirty (30) days prior to the date nomination petitions are issued. For City-wide office, a candidate must be a registered voter of the city and a resident for at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the nomination papers are issued. Elector and resident status must be maintained during the term of office.

Below are sample nomination documents. These documents are for informational purposes only. Actual nomination documents can be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk during the nominations period.

Statement of Economic Interests Form 700

Public officials and designated employees must file Statements of Economic Interest. Public officials are specified in Government Code Section 87200. They include Mayors, Councilmembers, City Attorneys, City Managers, Planning Commissioners, and persons who manage public investments. Additionally, candidates for elected positions are required to file a Candidate statement. Designated employees and certain consultants who hold positions that involve making or participating in the making of decisions, which may foreseeably have a material effect on the holder’s financial interests also must file. Such positions are listed in the City’s conflict of interest code; people in these positions must file Statements of Economic Interests – Form 700 pursuant to the disclosure categories specified in that code.

Campaign Disclosure

State law requires that local candidates for elective office, elected officeholders, and committees supporting or opposing local candidates or ballot measures file campaign disclosure statements. Statements are filed on a regular cycle, with additional statements required during election years. These statements provide the public with details on who contributes money to a committee, and how that money is spent. Disclosure requirements are very complicated. Those involved with campaign committees should become fully aware of the legal requirements surrounding campaign reporting. Candidates and Committees within the jurisdiction of the City of Oakland are required to file their disclosure statements with the Office of the City Clerk.

Typical forms include: Statement of Intention-Form 501

Statement of Organization-Form 410

Campaign Disclosure Statement-Form 460

Supplemental Independent Expenditure Report-Form 465

For a comprehensive listing of disclosure forms and/or detailed instructional manuals, visit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) web site at www.fppc.ca.gov.

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