Show All Answers

1. Is there a filing fee involved in my candidacy?

There is no filing fee to file the Nomination Paper. There is a $200 deposit to cover the cost of printing of the Candidate Statement, if you choose to submit one.

2. May I sign my own Nomination Paper?

Yes, you may sign your own Nomination Paper.

3. What happens if some of the signatures I obtain on my nomination papers are not registered voters or do not live within the City?

It is important that you file your nomination papers as early as you can because the City Clerk must certify the signatures on nomination papers. If you wait until the last day and any of the signatures you received, for any reason, are insufficient, you will not have qualified as a candidate. If you file early, there will be time for the City Clerk to check the signatures and notify you of any insufficiencies. You may then have an opportunity to circulate a Supplemental Nomination Paper to qualify yourself as a candidate.

4. What if I change my mind about being a candidate after filing nomination papers?

You may withdraw as a candidate at any time PRIOR to the close of the nomination period which is August 10, 2018, or August 15, 2018, if the nomination period is extended. After that date, your name cannot be withdrawn and will appear on the ballot.

5. How soon will a list of qualified candidates be available after the close of the nomination period?

The nomination period closes on August 10, 2018, unless an incumbent does not file and then the period is extended to August 15, 2018. A list of candidates will be prepared the next working day and should be available for distribution by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13, or on Thursday, August 16. The Official List of Candidates will be updated on the City's website following the random drawing by the Secretary of State on August 16th to determine order in which the candidate names will appear on the ballot.

6. May I change or correct my Candidate’s Statement after it has been submitted?

No. Check your Candidate’s Statement carefully before it is submitted as the content will be printed exactly as submitted.  The only amendments allowed after filing are format changes and/or the elimination of excess words.

7. If I submit a Candidate’s Statement, and I change my mind, may I withdraw the statement?

The Candidate’s Statement may be withdrawn, but not changed, during the period for filing nomination papers and until 5:00 p.m. of the next working day after the close of the nomination period, August 13, 2018, or August 16, 2018 if the nomination period is extended.

8. Must I form a campaign committee?

If you do not plan to spend or receive contributions in excess of $2,000, you are not required by law to form a campaign committee.  If, however, your contributions or expenditures exceed $2,000, a campaign committee must be formed pursuant to State law.  Please see FPPC Manual 2 for Local Candidates.

9. May I be the treasurer of my own campaign committee?

Yes, State law allows you to serve as your own treasurer, as long as this is designated on Form 410 - Statement of Organization.

10. May I appoint an assistant treasurer?

Yes. An assistant treasurer, if so designated on the Form 410, Statement of Organization, is authorized to act on behalf of the treasurer in his or her absence.

11. Does the City of Arroyo Grande have campaign contribution limits?

The City of Arroyo Grande has not adopted an ordinance limiting campaign contribution levels.

12. What happens if either my treasurer or I forget to sign a campaign disclosure statement?

An unsigned campaign statement will be rejected.  You and your treasurer must sign the statement.

13. If I realize that a mistake has been made on a signed campaign disclosure statement that has already been submitted to the City Clerk, can I get it back and make the correction?

No. Once the City Clerk has date stamped a campaign statement, it is considered to be filed.  You may, however, amend any statement by filing the same form, checking "Amendment" as the statement type, and including the correct information.

14. When will the official results of the election be received and certified?

The County Clerk has 30 days after the election to canvass the election and certify the results.  The City Clerk will present the results to the City Council for its acceptance at the next available Council meeting after receiving the County Clerk's certification.

15. How often does the City Council meet?

The City Council holds its regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Other special meetings are scheduled as needed.