Elections ~ City of Oakland, California

Elections and Compliance

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 guidelines to candidates interested in elective office. 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 Office of the City Clerk does not advise on the mechanics of campaigning or campaign strategy as those are matters for the candidates and their staff. We are happy to answer all questions within our purview however.

2013 Election Information

2013 Expenditure Ceiling and Contribution Limits

Qualifying a Ballot Initiative

2013 Candidate Statement Log

2013 PAC Statement Log

2013 Filing Schedule

November 6, 2012 Election Information

Ballot Order of Candidate Names

Candidate Ballot Designations

QUALIFIED CANDIDATE LIST

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

2012 Candidate Campaign Statement Log

Voter 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 Forms and E-Filing Portal *NEW FILING REQUIREMENTS!!

State law requires elected officials, candidates for elective office, and committees supporting or opposing local candidates or ballot measures file campaign disclosure statements with the Office of the City Clerk. Statements are filed according to the FPPC's filing schedule and provide the public with details on who contributes money to a committee, and how that money is spent. Disclosure requirements can be complex and those involved with campaign committees are advised to become fully aware of all requirements for campaign reporting. The City of Oakland recently adopted legislation that requires all candidates for elective office, and committees supporting or opposing local candidates or ballot measures to file their statements electronically. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk regarding training on the electronic filing system.

WHAT TO FILE - Typical forms include Statement of Intention Form 501; Statement of Organization Form 410; Semi-Annual Campaign Disclosure Statement Form 460; Pre-Election Campaign Disclosure Form 460; Pre- and Post- City Supplemental Campaign Disclosure Statement Form 460; Quarterly Measure Campaign Disclosure Statement Form 460; Supplemental Independent Expenditure Report Form 465 (Measure or Independent Expenditure Committees); Late Independent Expenditure Report Form 496; or Late Contribution Report Form 497

For a comprehensive list of disclosure forms including instruction manuals, visit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website at www.fppc.ca.gov.

WHEN TO FILE - There are various filing deadlines depending on the type of committee, and whether or not that committee is involved in an active election. All deadlines for filers within the of Oakland can be found on the FPPC's filing schedule.

WHERE TO FILE - Elected officials, candidates and committees who are required to file campaign statements must file their campaign statements with the Office of the City Clerk. The City of Oakland also provides, a free, web-based electronic campaign disclosure statement filing system. The system is fully searchable for use by the public. This ensures the highest level of transparency and accountability so that voters and members of the public can be fully informed. Elected officials, candidates, and committees who are required by to file campaign disclosure statements with the City of Oakland may do so through this system.

For those interested in viewing campaign statements or filing campaign statements electronically, visit our Campaign Filing Portal.

For further details and instructions on filing, please view the FPPC Manual - When and Where to File.

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