2013 Council District 4 Special Election
Election Notes
The District 4 special run-off election will be held on May 21, 2013. Candidates in the run-off election must file their next pre-election campaign statement no later than May 17, 2013, covering the period May 5, 2013, through May 15, 2013. On this pre-election statement, candidates must disclose, using a Form 497, contributions of $100 or more received during the reporting period.
The Ethics Commission has released a 2013 Candidate Manual for Council District 4 candidates, as well as a separate 2013 Committee Manual for committees that intend to make independent expenditures in the Council District 4 special elections. These manuals were updated on March 29, 2013, to add information regarding the May 21, 2013, run-off election.
Candidates and committees that have raised at least $10,000 in contributions must file their campaign statements (e.g., Forms 460, 465, 496, 497) using the City Clerk's electronic filing system. Candidates and committees below the $10,000 threshold have a choice of filing their campaign statements in paper format or electronically.
Candidates should familiarize themselves with the Ethics Commission's Top Ten Rules for City Candidates.
Candidates may not accept contributions in any amount from non-individuals (other than a political party committee).
All candidates for elective City office must have a treasurer. A candidate may serve as his/her own treasurer, or ask a friend or relative to volunteer as the treasurer. Candidates who plan to spend more than $10,000 are strongly encouraged to retain a professional treasurer to ensure compliance with the City's laws. The majority of candidates who spend more than $10,000 will have their campaigns audited, and may be required to pay fines if the audits reveal material violations of campaign laws. Information regarding professional campaign treasurers doing business in California can be obtained from the California Political Treasurers Association.
Visit the Ethics Commission's Candidates and Committees page for additional information regarding campaign finance rules.