Where to File Campaign Statements and Reports - Judicial Candidates
The Political Reform Act requires judicial candidates and committees to file campaign reports and statements. The information below provides a guide to judicial candidates on the different reports and statements that may be required and where to file each report or statement.
The following charts describe the different types of reports and statements that may be required by judicial candidates, depending on the amount of money the candidate will raise or spend and whether the candidate will be listed on a ballot. These charts contain only the most common campaign reports and statements. Certain campaign activity may trigger additional reporting requirements.
Judicial Candidates Listed on a Ballot Who Will Raise/Spend $2,000 or More:
Judicial candidates who raise or spend $25,000 or more are required to file electronically with the Secretary of State.
| Form | Where to File | Filing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement) | Secretary of State | Paper original* |
| Form 410 (Statement of Organization) | Secretary of State | Paper original* |
| Form 460 (Recipient Committee Campaign Statement) | Secretary of State | Electronic Filers Electronically and paper original* Non-Electronic Filers Paper original* Copy with County of Domicile |
| Form 496 (24-Hour Independent Expenditure Report) | See Form 496 below | See Form 496 below |
| Form 497 (24-Hour Contribution Report) | Secretary of State | All Form 497s are filed electronically even if the $25,000 electronic filing threshold has not been met |
*For paper filings filed with Secretary of State: All paper filings may be filed by first-class mail or by email with a verified digital signature unless otherwise noted. Effective January 1, 2023, persons required to file a report or statement by paper with the Secretary of State’s Office may instead file by email (digitalfiling@sos.ca.gov) with a verified digital signature or other digital means as prescribed by the Secretary of State’s Office. Please visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information on how to file with a digital signature, or our Filing with a Digital Signature fact sheet.
Judicial Candidates Listed on a Ballot Who Will Raise/Spend Less Than $2,000
| Form | Where to File | Filing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement) - not required if personal funds are used only for filing/ballot fees and no funds are received from others. | Secretary of State | Paper original* |
| Form 470 (Candidate Campaign Short Form) | Secretary of State | Paper original* |
| County of Domicile | Paper or Electronically (check with your County) | |
| Form 496 (24-Hour Independent Expenditure Report) | See Form 496 below | See Form 496 below |
| Form 497 (24-Hour Contribution Report) | Secretary of State | All Form 497s filed electronically even if the $25,000 electronic filing threshold has not been met |
*For paper filings filed with Secretary of State: All paper filings may be filed by first-class mail or by email with a verified digital signature unless otherwise noted. Effective January 1, 2023, persons required to file a report or statement by paper with the Secretary of State’s Office may instead file by email (digitalfiling@sos.ca.gov) with a verified digital signature or other digital means as prescribed by the Secretary of State’s Office. Please visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information on how to file with a digital signature, or our Filing with a Digital Signature fact sheet.
Form 496 (24-Hour Independent Expenditure Report)
Candidates who spend campaign money on independent expenditures supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures, within 90-days of the election, plus on the day of the election, must file a Form 496 within 24 hours.
Where to File: The Form 496 will be filed with the filing officer of the jurisdiction in which the candidate or measure is being voted on. For example, a candidate committee that spends money on a mass mailing to support a state assembly candidate, without the assembly candidate’s knowledge or consent, would file the Form 496 with the Secretary of State. Or, a state PAC that sends a mailer supporting a city ballot measure, without the ballot measure commitee's knowledge or consent, would file the Form 496 with the local city clerk.
Filing Method: If required to be filed with the Secretary of State, then electronically even if the $25,000 electronic filing threshold has not been met. If required to be filed locally, then with the appropriate city or county via paper or electronically (check with the city or county to see if they have electronic filing). Please note if filed via paper, then it should be by email, fax, guaranteed overnight delivery, or personal delivery as required by Section 84204.
NOTE: Form 462 (Verification of Independent Expenditures) is required to be filed within 10 days from the date of an independent expenditure that totals, in the aggregate, $1,000 or more in a calendar year to support or oppose a candidate or measure. The Form 462 is filed via email with the FPPC at Form462@fppc.ca.gov.
Judicial Candidates and Judges Not Listed on a Ballot
Non-incumbent candidates and incumbent judges not listed on a ballot, and who do not receive any contributions in a six month period, are not required to file the Form 470 or Form 460.
For additional information, see Campaign Disclosure Manual 2.
Statutory Authority
Government Code sections 84200, 84200.5, 84203, 84215, and 84605
You should not rely on this webpage alone to ensure compliance with the Act. If you have any questions, you can Ask the FPPC for Advice.
How to Request Advice
If you have questions about your obligations under the Act you can request advice directly from FPPC staff