Candidate Guidelines

Candidate guidelines for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election: 

• General Candidate Guidelines

• Judicial Candidate Guidelines

• Central Committee Candidate Guidelines

Candidate Seminar

For general candidate information or to request an appointment to file for office please contact us at (831) 796-1499 or via the online contact form.

Summary of Qualifications and Requirements for Federal/State Offices

The Secretary of State provides the summary of qualifications and requirements for federal and state offices: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/pres-prim-march-2024/qualifications

The candidate statement deadline for state voter information guide for U.S. Senate is November 15. File this with the Secretary of State Elections Division.

For further information, contact the Secretary of State Elections Division:

Call (916) 657-2166 or

Email: Elections Division Staff

File for office

The candidate filing process will be conducted via appointments.

The Signatures In-Lieu of Filing Fee (optional) period for state, countywide, and judicial candidates is September 14 – November 8. Signatures collected may cover all, or a portion, of the filing fee and will be applied towards the nomination signatures.

The Central Committee Nomination filing period is September 29 – December 8. Candidate forms for central committees will only be available during this time and must be completed and submitted within this timeframe.

The Nomination/Declaration of Candidacy filing period is November 13 – December 8.  Candidate forms will only be available during this time and must be completed and submitted within this timeframe. Candidate statement of qualifications will be due at the time of filing. 

Candidate Statement Form

If you are filing for an office in a county other than Monterey County, you can file your Candidate Statement of Qualifications by completing the Candidate Statement Form.

The form can be sent by email to CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us. A signed hardcopy with the candidate statement payment must be transmitted in person or via mail to Monterey County Elections within 72 hours of filing the Candidate Statement Form electronically. Hardcopies may be mailed to:

Monterey County Elections – North Building
Attention: Candidate Services
1441 Schilling Pl.
Salinas, CA 93901

Candidate Statement of Qualifications Form

Call to schedule your appointment. We are available from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday by phone or email:

• Phone: (831) 796-1499

• Email: CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us

Prepare for your candidacy

1. Verify you are registered to vote in the district for the office you plan to run for.

   • Call 831-796-1499 or

   • Check your voter status here

2. Prepare any campaign contact information you want us to share with voters (phone numbers, mailing address, email address, website, if applicable). This information will be due at the time of filing and will not be accepted after the close of the candidate filing period.

3. Review FPPC applicable forms, manual, rules and regulations or visit www.fppc.ca.gov.

   • Manual 2 – Information for Local Candidates.

   • Form 501 – must be filed before you raise or spend a single penny with Monterey County Elections.

   • Form 410 – file this form if you anticipate spending more than $2,000 for your candidacy. File this form with the Secretary of State (address in the instructions) and a copy with Monterey County Elections.

   • Form 470 – file this form if you anticipate spending less than $2,000 for your candidacy. You will file this form with Monterey County Elections.

   • Form 700 – all candidates will file this form with Monterey County Elections

   • FPPC Contribution Limits – applies to state and local candidates per election.

   • Treasures Guidebook – provides helpful information and links to resources for candidates and treasures. 

   • Complaints/Violations? – if you suspect someone has violated the Political Reform Act, you will file the complaint with the FPPC’s Enforcement Division using the Electronic Complaint System.

4. Schedule appointment:

   • Call (831) 796-1499 or

   • Email: CandidateServices@co.monterey.ca.us

Helpful Links

Monterey County Elections Electronic Filing System – Public Access Portal to review financial information provided by candidates and committees.