Official Source: Introduction (FPPC Manual 1)
Running for office in California involves navigating the Political Reform Act (the "Act"). The state takes this very seriously. The goal of the Act is simple: Transparency.
Voters have the right to know who is paying for political messages so they can make informed decisions. To ensure this, the state requires accurate, timely, and transparent disclosure of all money raised and spent.
This guide translates the bureaucratic requirements of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Manual 1 into actionable steps. It is designed for grassroots campaigns, independent candidates, and anyone engaging in the political process who does not have a team of specialized lawyers on retainer.
While this guide aims to be as helpful and accurate as possible, it is a simplified resource.
Before you read further, you must determine if you are in the right place. Manual 1 (and this guide) covers specific types of candidates and committees.
You are in the right place if you are:
Stop reading if you are:
California bureaucracy runs on forms. You do not need to memorize these right now, but you should recognize the names. Below is a summary of the key forms you will encounter and which chapter covers them.
| Form | Name / Purpose | When You Need It | Covered In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 501 | Candidate Intention Statement | Filed before you solicit or spend a single penny. | Chapter 2 |
| 410 | Statement of Organization | Filed when you raise or spend $2,000. This registers your committee. | Chapter 2 |
| 470 | Officeholder/Candidate Short Form | Used if you plan to raise/spend less than $2,000 total for the year. | Chapter 2 |
| 497 | 24-Hour/10-Day Contribution Report | Used for large donations ($1,000+) received close to an election. | Chapter 2 |
| 511 | Paid Spokesperson Report | Filed if you pay for endorsements in ads. | Chapter 8 |
| 460 | Recipient Committee Campaign Statement | The main report showing all money in and out. Filed periodically. | Chapter 9 |
| 462 | Verification of Independent Expenditures | A verification form for groups spending money independently of a candidate. | Chapter 12 |
| 496 | 24-Hour/10-Day Independent Expenditure | Filed when independent groups spend large amounts close to an election. | Chapter 12 |
| T10 | Top Ten Contributor List | A specific disclosure list for certain independent committees. | Chapter 12 |
| E-530 | Issue Advocacy Report | For reporting communications that identify a candidate but don't explicitly say "vote for". | Chapter 7 |
If you get stuck, the FPPC provides assistance. However, note that they do not provide advice on past conduct (things you have already done wrong) or third-party advice (asking about someone else's campaign). They only help you with future compliance.
Contact the FPPC:
Depending on your campaign, you may also need to deal with: