California Gubernatorial Recall Election

 

Days Prior to Election Date Action Taken

75

July 1, 2021
  1. CERTIFICATION OF RECALL ELECTION
    On this day, the Secretary of State determined that the proponents have collected sufficient signatures and so certified this fact to the Lieutenant Governor.
    Cal. Const., Art. II, §§ 14, 15; § 111091

75

July 1, 2021
  1. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION
    On this date, the Lieutenant Governor issued the proclamation calling the California Gubernatorial Recall Election.
    Cal. Const. Art. II, §§ 15, 17; § 11110

75

July 1, 2021
  1. VERIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
    The Verification of Independent Expenditures (Form 462) is used to identify an individual responsible for ensuring that the campaign committee’s independent expenditures were not coordinated with the listed candidate and that the committee will report all contributions and reimbursements as required by law. An independent expenditure is not subject to state or local contribution limits. This form must be emailed to the Fair Political Practices Commission within 10 days of an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more.2
    Gov. Code § 84213

    NOTE: For purposes of this calendar, the dates related to expenditures shall begin at July 1, 2021 (E-75).

75

70

July 1, 2021

July 6, 2021
  1. SIGNATURES IN LIEU OF FILING FEES
    Period in which candidates for Governor may obtain forms from county elections officials for circulating petitions to secure signatures in lieu of all or part of the filing fee. Signatures may also be applied to the nomination signature requirements for the office.
    §§ 8020(b), 8061, 8105, 8106(b)

75

14

July 1, 2021

August 31, 2021
  1. CANDIDATE INTENTION STATEMENT
    Period in which and prior to the solicitation or receipt of any contribution or loan for a specific office, the individual must file a Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501), signed under penalty of perjury, of intention to be a candidate for the specific office. The Form 501 is also used by candidates to accept or reject voluntary spending limits specified by the Fair Political Practices Commission. The stated deadline for filing this statement, E-14, is the deadline for filing a statement of write-in candidacy and nomination papers. For most candidates, this form would be submitted by no later than the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy and nomination papers, July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 18520; Gov. Code §§ 85200, 85400, 85401

    Between the date of filing an initial Form 501 for an election and the deadline for filing nomination papers for that election, July 16, 2021 (E-60), the statement of acceptance or rejection of the voluntary expenditure limits may be amended no more than two times, provided the limit has not been exceeded.
    Gov. Code §§ 85200, 85400, 85401

75

60

July 1, 2021

July 16, 2021
  1. CANDIDATE INTENTION STATEMENT CONT...
    Period in which candidates who wish to purchase space for a 250-word candidate statement in the state Voter Information Guide, may accept the voluntary expenditure limits.
    Gov. Code §§ 85600, 85601

    NOTE: For purposes of this calendar entry the E-date shall begin at July 1, 2021 (E-75).

75

60

July 1, 2021

July 16, 2021
[Date designated by Secretary of State]
  1. CANDIDATE STATEMENTS IN THE STATE VOTER INFORMATION
    Period in which candidates may purchase space for a 250-word statement in the official state Voter Information Guide. A candidate may purchase space for a statement only if a Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) has been filed and the candidate has agreed to accept the voluntary expenditure limits.
    Gov. Code § 85601(a); § 9084(i)

75

0

July 1, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR PAYMENT REPORT (SLATE MAILER ORGANIZATIONS)
    During the 90 days immediately preceding an election, each slate mailer organization that receives a payment of $2,500 or more for the purpose of supporting or opposing any candidate in a slate mailer must report the payment within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office online or by electronic transmission only. (Deadlines are extended to the next business day when they fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, except for the weekend before an election.) Such payments may be reported on a Slate Mailer Late Payment Report (Form 498).2
    Gov. Code § 84220

    NOTE: For purposes of this calendar, the dates related to expenditures shall begin at July 1, 2021 (E-75).

75

0

July 1, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR CONTRIBUTION REPORT
    During the 90 days immediately preceding an election, or on the date of the election, the following contributions that total in the aggregate of $1,000 or more must be reported within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office online or by electronic transmission only: contributions made to or received by a candidate on the September 14, 2021, ballot; contributions made to or received by a primarily formed candidate committee on the September 14, 2021, ballot; or, contributions made to or received by a political party committee. Deadlines are extended to the next business day when the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, except for the weekend before the election. Recipients of non-monetary or in-kind contributions must file within 48 hours of the date the non-monetary or in-kind contribution was received. These contributions are reported on the Contribution Report (Form 497).2
    Gov. Code §§ 81005, 82036, 84203, 84203.3, 85204, 85309

    NOTE: For purposes of this calendar, the dates related to expenditures shall begin at July 1, 2021 (E-75).

75

0

July 1, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE REPORT​
    During the 90 days immediately preceding an election or on the date of the election, an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more made to a specific candidate must be reported on the Independent Expenditure Report (Form 496) within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office online or by electronic transmission only.2
    Gov. Code §§ 81005, 82036, 84203, 84203.3, 85204, 85309 

    NOTE: For purposes of this calendar, the dates related to expenditures shall begin at July 1, 2021 (E-75).

70

July 6, 2021
  1. SIGNATURES IN LIEU OF FILING FEES — DEADLINE
    Last day for candidates to submit their petitions to the county elections official of the county in which the petition signers reside and are registered to vote. Upon receipt of the required number of in-lieu signatures, or of a sufficient combination of such signatures and the prorated filing fee, the county elections official shall issue the nomination papers provisionally. Within 2 days after receipt of a petition, the county elections official shall notify the candidate of any deficiency. The candidate shall then, at the time of obtaining nomination documents, pay a pro rata portion of the filing fee to cover the deficiency. Any candidate who submits a number of valid in-lieu signatures that meets the nomination signatures requirement and equals or exceeds the minimum number required by Section 8062 for his or her nomination papers shall not be required to file the nomination papers.
    §§ 8020(b), 8061, 8105, 8106(b)(3)

68

July 8, 2021
  1. SIGNATURES IN LIEU OF FILING FEES — DETERMINE SUFFICIENCY
    Last day for the county elections official to determine the sufficiency of the in-lieu signatures submitted by candidates. Within 2 days after receipt of a petition, the county elections official shall notify the candidate of any deficiency. The candidate shall then, at the time of obtaining nomination documents, pay a pro rata portion of the filing fee to cover the deficiency.
    §§ 8061, 8106(b)(3)

67

July 9, 2021
  1. RANDOMIZED ALPHABET DRAWING — NOTICE
    Last day for the Secretary of State to notify the news media and other interested parties of the place of the randomized alphabet drawing to be held at 11:00 a.m. on. 
    § 13112(b)(1)(B), (c)

67

60

July 9, 2021

July 16, 2021
  1. DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY AND NOMINATION PAPERS
    Period in which candidates for Governor must file a declaration of candidacy for office and ballot designation worksheet, and circulate nomination papers and deliver them to the county elections official for filing. Candidates must pay the nonrefundable filing fees or present petitions in lieu of signatures at the time nomination papers are issued by the county elections official. The number of valid signatures in lieu of the filing fee any candidate obtains may be subtracted from the number required for his or her nomination papers. A candidate shall not be required to execute a nomination paper if the number of signatures in lieu of the filing fee meets the requisite number of valid signatures under Section 8062. All nomination documents must be left with the county elections official for filing with the Secretary of State.
    §§ 333, 8020, 8040, 8041, 8061-8064, 8100, 8105, 8106, 11381 (a), 13107.3

67

60

July 9, 2021

July 16, 2021
  1. STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS
    Period in which candidates for Governor shall file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) disclosing their investments, interests in real property, and any income received during the immediately preceding 12 months. This statement is not required if the candidate has filed such statements within the past 60 days for the same jurisdiction.2
    Gov. Code §§ 87200-87203, 87500

    NOTE: The deadlines for filing a Form 700 by candidates for Governor may be earlier. Call the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for deadline information at (916) 322-5660.

67

57

July 9, 2021

July 19, 2021
  1. NOMINATION DOCUMENTS FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
    Period in which, and within two days of receipt of nomination documents, county elections officials shall deliver via expedited delivery to the Secretary of State candidates' nomination documents, together with a statement showing the number of valid signatures on the nomination document from all candidates.
    §§ 8070, 8082

60

July 16, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]
  1. DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY AND NOMINATION PAPERS — FILING DEADLINE
    No later than 5:00 p.m. on this day, candidates must deliver their declarations of candidacy, nomination papers, if any, and ballot designation worksheets to the county elections official for filing.
    §§ 333, 8020, 8040, 8041, 8061-8064, 8100, 8105, 8106, 11381(a)

60

July 16, 2021
  1. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES — TAX RETURNS AND WRITTEN CONSENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM — DEADLINE
    On or before this date, a candidate for the office of governor, in order to appear on the ballot, must file with the Secretary of State's office, two versions (one redacted and one unredacted) of every income tax return the candidate filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the five most recent taxable years. The candidate shall redact information pursuant to Elections Code section 8903.
    §§ 8902, 8903

    The candidate must also sign and file with the Secretary of State's office a written consent and acknowledgement form granting the Secretary of State permission to publicly release the redacted version of the candidate's tax return.
    § 8903(a)

60

July 16, 2021
 
  1. MILITARY OR OVERSEAS VOTER BALLOT APPLICATIONS
    First day county elections officials may process applications for military or overseas voter ballots. Any applications received by the county elections official prior to this day shall be kept and processed on or after this date. If the applicant is not a resident of the county to which he or she has applied, the election official receiving the application shall forward it immediately to the proper county.
    §§ 300(b), 321, 3105

    A request for a vote-by-mail ballot from a military or overseas voter is deemed an affidavit of registration and an application for permanent vote-by-mail status.
    § 3102(b)

60

50

July 16, 2021

July 26, 2021
  1. REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 60-DAY COUNTY READINESS
    Period in which county elections officials shall notify the Secretary of State that voter registration information is available in the California Statewide Voter Registration System (VoteCal) by indicating Report of Registration readiness in their Election Management System (EMS) with respect to voters registered as of July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    § 2187(a), (c)(2)

60

50

July 16, 2021

July 26, 2021
  1. VOTER REGISTRATION DATA TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE MAILING
    Period in which county elections officials shall notify the Secretary of State that voter registration information is available in the California Statewide Voter Registration Database (VoteCal) by indicating readiness in their Election Management System (EMS) by July 26, 2021 (E-50) with respect to voters registered as of July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    § 9094(a)

60

July 16, 2021
  1. CANDIDATE INTENTION STATEMENT — DEADLINE IF PURCHASING SPACE FOR CANDIDATE STATEMENT IN STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE
    Last day for candidates for Governor to file the Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501) agreeing to accept the voluntary expenditure limits in order to purchase space for a 250-word statement in the official state Voter Information Guide.
    Gov. Code §§ 85200, 85400, 85401

60

July 16, 2021
[Date designated by Secretary of State]
  1. CANDIDATE STATEMENTS IN THE STATE VOTER INFORMATION​ GUIDE
    Last day candidates for Governor may purchase space for a 250-word candidate statement in the official state Voter Information Guide. Candidates may purchase space for a statement only if they have agreed to accept the voluntary expenditure limits on their Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501).
    Gov. Code § 85601(a); § 9084(i)

60

July 16, 2021
[Date designated by Secretary of State]
  1. POLITICAL PARTY STATEMENT OF PURPOSE DEADLINE​
    Last day for political parties to submit statements of purpose, not to exceed 200 words, for inclusion in the official state Voter Information Guide, if space allows.
    § 9084(e)

60

July 16, 2021
[Date designated by Secretary of State]
 
  1. POLITICAL PARTY ENDORSEMENTS — DEADLINE​
    Last day for the party chairperson of any qualified political party to submit to the county elections official a list of all candidates for voter-nominated office who will appear on any ballot in the county in question and who have been endorsed by the party. The county elections official shall print any such list that is received timely in the county voter information guide.
    § 13302(b)

60

July 16, 2021
  1. COUNTIES UTILIZING VOTE CENTERS: CALCULATE NUMBER OF BALLOT DROPOFF LOCATIONS AND VOTE CENTERS​
    On this date, the county elections officials of counties utilizing vote centers must calculate the location and number of dropoff locations and vote centers based on specific ratios of the number of voters registered as of this date.
    §§ 1601, 4005(a)(1)(A), (a)(3)(A), (a)(4)(A)

60

July 16, 2021
  1. STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS​
    Last day for candidates for Governor to file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) disclosing their investments, interests in real property, and any income received during the immediately preceding 12 months. This statement is not required if the candidate has filed such statements within the past 60 days for same jurisdiction.2
    Gov. Code §§ 87200-87203, 87500

59

July 17, 2021*
  1. NOTICE TO CANDIDATES​
    The Secretary of State shall notify each candidate of the names, addresses, offices, ballot designations, and party preferences of all other persons who have filed for the office of governor.
    § 8121(a)

59

July 17, 2021*
  1. PARTY PREFERENCE HISTORY POSTING ON WEBSITE​
    The Secretary of State will post on its website, the party preference history of each candidate for the preceding 10 years.
    § 8121(b)

59

39

July 17, 2021*

August 6, 2021
  1. STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATION​
    Period in which the official state Voter Information Guide for the election will be available for public examination and in which any elector may seek a writ of mandate to amend or delete any portion thereof prior to its printing.
    Gov. Code § 88006; §§ 9054, 9092, 13282

57

July 19, 2021
  1. NOMINATION DOCUMENTS FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE — DEADLINE
    Last day for county elections officials to forward to the Secretary of State nomination documents together with a statement showing the number of valid nomination signatures.
    §§ 8070, 8082

57

July 19, 2021
[11:00 a.m.]
  1. RANDOMIZED ALPHABET DRAWING​
    The Secretary of State shall conduct the randomized alphabet drawing at 11:00 a.m. and mail the results immediately to county elections officials so that they may determine the order in which the candidates shall appear on the election ballot.
    §§ 13111, 13112(b)(1)(B)

57

14

July 19, 2021

August 31, 2021
  1. STATEMENT OF WRITE-IN CANDIDACY AND NOMINATION PAPERS​
    Period in which all write-in candidates must leave a statement of write-in candidacy and nomination papers with the county elections official for filing with the Secretary of State.
    § 8601

55

July 21, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]
  1. CERTIFIED LIST OF CANDIDATES AND ROTATION LIST​
    Last day for the Secretary of State to certify and send to each county elections official a list of candidates to be voted on throughout the state showing the name of every person eligible to receive votes within the county at the election, their addresses, the office for which they seek nomination, their party preference, and, if applicable, their ballot designation.
    §§ 8120-8125

    The Secretary of State shall also provide to county elections officials a list of candidates to be voted on throughout the state for each county arranged according to the randomized alphabet drawn on July 19, 2021 (E-57).
    § 13111

50

July 26, 2021
  1. REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 60-DAY COUNTY READINESS DEADLINE​
    Deadline for county elections officials to indicate Report of Registration readiness in their Election Management System (EMS) of all voters registered as of July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    § 2187(a), (c)(2)

50

July 26, 2021
  1. VOTER REGISTRATION DATA TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE MAILING — DEADLINE​
    Deadline to indicate voter information guide mailing readiness in the county's Election Management System (EMS) of all voters registered as of July 16, 2021 (E-60); this information should reflect the results of the pre-election residency confirmation procedure.
    §§ 2220-2227, 9094(a)

45

July 31, 20213
[Saturday]
[Date fixed by law]
  1. MILITARY OR OVERSEAS VOTER BALLOTS​
    Last day for county elections officials to transmit ballots and balloting materials to absent military or overseas voters who have requested them by this date. If a military or overseas voter ballot application is received after this date, the county elections official shall transmit a ballot and balloting materials as soon as practicable.
    52 U.S.C. § 20302 (MOVE Act); § 3114

45

1

July 31, 2021

September 13, 2021
  1. ISSUE ADVOCACY REPORT (ELECTRONIC FILERS ONLY)​
    A disclosure report must be filed within 48 hours by anyone spending or promising to pay $50,000 or more for a communication disseminated, broadcast, or otherwise published within 45 days of an election, if the communication clearly identifies a candidate for state elective office but does not expressly advocate the election or defeat of that candidate.2
    Gov. Code § 85310; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 2, § 18539.2

43

August 2, 2021
[Date set by law]
  1. CAMPAIGN STATEMENT — SEMIANNUAL​
    Last day to file semiannual campaign statements, if required, by all candidates, organizations, committees, and slate mailers.2
    Gov. Code §§ 84200, 84218

40

August 5, 2021
[Date fixed by law]
  1. FIRST PRE-ELECTION STATEMENT​
    Last day to file campaign statements for candidates and committees for the period ending July 31, 2021 (E-45). Candidate controlled committees and primarily formed candidate committees appearing on the ballot must file this statement. State general purpose committees making contributions or independent expenditures of $500 or more in connection with the election must also file this statement. Political parties must file this statement if they receive contributions totaling $1,000 or more or if contributions or independent expenditures totaling $500 or more were made in connection with the election. State slate mailer organizations must file this statement if payments of $500 or more are received or made to produce a slate mailer in connection with the election.2
    Gov. Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8, 84218

39

August 6, 2021
  1. LAST DAY STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATION AND COPY DELIVERED TO THE STATE PRINTER​
    Last day the state Voter Information Guide for the election will be available for public examination and for the Secretary of State to deliver copy for preparation of the state Voter Information Guides to the Office of State Publishing.
    Gov. Code § 88006; §§ 9054, 9082, 9092, 13282

TBD

TBD
  1. STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDES TO STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS​
    On or before this date, the Secretary of State shall send a specified number of copies of the official state Voter Information Guide to city and county elections officials, members of the Legislature, public libraries, and specified educational institutions.
    § 9096

TBD

21

TBD

August 24, 2021
  1. STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE MAILING​
    Period in which the Secretary of State shall mail state Voter Information Guides to all households in which voters were registered by July 16, 2021 (E-60). This mailing is based on the information provided by county elections officials to the Secretary of State by July 26, 2021 (E-50).
    § 9094(a)

29

August 16, 2021
  1. ALL COUNTIES MAIL EVERY ACTIVE REGISTERED VOTER A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT AND PACKET​
    For this election, every active registered voter will be mailed a vote-by-mail ballot.
    § 3000.5

    No later than this date, county elections officials shall begin mailing each registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot, a vote-by-mail packet that includes an envelope with instructions on the use and return of the vote-by-mail ballot, and other information including the locations and hours of each vote center in the county or polling place.
    §§ 3000.5, 3010, 4005(a)(8)(A) & (B), 4007

    County elections officials shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who is registered to vote by this date and five days to mail a ballot to each person who is subsequently registered to vote.
    §§ 3000.5, 3001(b)

29

August 16, 2021
  1. NON-VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES: PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS AND POLLING PLACES
    On or before this date, the county elections official shall appoint members of the precinct boards and designate the polling places.
    § 12286

29

August 16, 2021
  1. COMPUTER PROCESSING OF VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS​
    Counties having the necessary computer capability to process vote-by-mail ballots may begin to process their vote-by-mail ballots on this date. This process may be completed to the point of placing the ballot information on a computer medium, but under NO circumstances may a vote count be accessed or released until 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021 (E).
    §§ 1605(a), 15101(b)(1), (c)

    All other county elections officials shall start to process vote-by-mail ballots at 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election, the results of which shall not be released before 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021 (E).

29

0

August 16, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT APPLICATIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATE EMERGENCY WORKERS​Counties that are utilizing Section 1602 will open at least one location for voting and voter services pursuant to Section 1602.
    § 1602

28

0

August 17, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. COUNTIES UTILIZING SECTION 1602: OPEN AT LEAST ONE LOCATION FOR VOTING AND VOTING SERVICES​
    Counties that are utilizing Section 1602 will open at least one location for voting and voter services pursuant to Section 1602.
    § 1602

28

0

August 17, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES AND NON-VCA COUNTIES UTILIZING 1602: DROPOFF LOCATIONS OPEN​
    Counties that are implementing the Voter's Choice Act, and non-VCA counties utilizing Section 1602 will open ballot dropoff locations. These locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than 28 days before the election through Election Day. At least one ballot dropoff location shall be an accessible, secured, exterior drop box that is available for a minimum of 12 hours per day, including regular business hours.
    §§ 1602, 4005(a)(1)(A), (B)

21

August 24, 2021
  1. STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE — MAILING DEADLINE
    On or before this date, the Secretary of State, or the county elections official, if appropriate, shall mail state Voter Information Guides to all households in which voters were registered by July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    § 9094(a)

20

August 25, 2021
  1. REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 60-DAY STATEWIDE REPORT PUBLISHED​
    On or before this date, the Secretary of State will release a statewide report showing the number of registered voters, by political party preference, in the state, in each county, and in each political subdivision thereof. This report is based on the number of persons registered as of July 16, 2021 (E-60).
    § 2187(a), (c)(2)

16

1

August 29, 2021
[Sunday]

September 13, 2021
  1. 24-HOUR STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION FILING REQUIREMENT — RECIPIENT COMMITTEES AND SLATE MAILER ORGANIZATIONS​
    A recipient committee or slate mailer organization that qualifies during the 16 days prior to an election in which it must file pre-election statements must file a Statement of Organization Recipient Committee (Form 410) or Statement of Organization Slate Mailer (Form 400) within 24 hours of qualification with the filing officer who will receive the committee’s original disclosure statements by personal delivery, facsimile transmission, online transmission, or guaranteed overnight delivery.2
    Gov. Code §§ 84101, 84108

15

August 30, 2021
  1. 15-DAY CLOSE OF REGISTRATION​
    Last day to register to vote. The Voter Registration Form shall be mailed (postmarked by this date) or delivered to the county elections official by this date and is effective upon receipt. The Voter Registration Form may also be submitted by this date to the Secretary of State, Department of Motor Vehicles, or any National Voter Registration Act designated agency.
    52 U.S.C. §§ 20301, 20501; §§ 300(b), 321, 2102, 3102

    A request for a vote-by-mail ballot from a military or overseas voter, if postmarked on or before this date, will be deemed an affidavit of registration and an application for permanent vote-by-mail status. When a county elections official receives and approves a registration application from a military or overseas voter, the official must provide that voter with a vote-by-mail ballot for each subsequent election for federal office in the state unless the voter fails to vote in four consecutive statewide general elections.
    §§ 3102(e), 3206

    See Item #57 for exception to this deadline.

15

August 30, 2021
  1. NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITHIN STATE​
    Last day before the election for any voter to send a notice or letter advising the county elections official of a change of address within the county. The notice or letter shall be mailed (postmarked by this date) or delivered to the county elections official by this date and is effective upon receipt. The notice or letter may also be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles or any National Voter Registration Act designated agency prior to the election. The county elections official shall correct the registration records accordingly. The notice or letter is in lieu of re-registering.
    § 2119

15

7

August 30, 2021

September 7, 2021
  1. REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 15-DAY COUNTY READINESS​
    Period in which county elections officials shall notify the Secretary of State that voter registration information is available in the California Statewide Voter Registration System (VoteCal) by indicating Report of Registration readiness in their Election Management System (EMS) with respect to voters registered as of August 30, 2021 (E-15).
    § 2187(a), (c)(3)

14

August 31, 2021
 
  1. STATEMENT OF WRITE-IN CANDIDACY AND NOMINATION PAPERS DEADLINE
    Last day for a write-in candidate to leave a statement of write-in candidacy and nomination papers with the county elections official for filing with the Secretary of State.
    § 8601

14

August 31, 2021
  1. BILINGUAL PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS​
    Last day for county elections officials to prepare a list of precincts to which bilingual officers were appointed. A copy of this list shall be made available to the public.
    § 12303(d)

14

0

August 31, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. CONDITIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION PERIOD​
    Period in which an elector can “conditionally” register and vote provisionally at the county elections office, a satellite office, polling place, or vote center after the 15-day voter registration deadline.
    § 2170

14

0

August 31, 2021

September 14, 2021
  1. NEW CITIZEN REGISTRATION PERIOD​
    Period in which a new citizen is eligible to register and vote at the office of, or at another location designated by, the county elections official at any time beginning on August 31, 2021 (E-14), and ending at the close of polls on September 14, 2021 (E).
    §§ 331, 3500

    A new citizen registering to vote after the close of registration shall provide the county elections official with proof of citizenship prior to voting and shall declare that he or she has established residency in California.
    § 3501

    The ballots of new citizens shall be received and canvassed at the same time and under the same procedure as vote-by-mail ballots.
    § 3502

12

September 2, 2021
  1. SECOND PRE-ELECTION STATEMENT
    Last day to file campaign statements for candidates and committees for the period ending August 28, 2021** (E-17). Candidate controlled committees, primarily formed candidate committees appearing on the ballot must file this statement by guaranteed overnight mail or personal delivery. State general purpose committees making contributions or independent expenditures of $500 or more in connection with the election must also file this statement. Political parties must file this statement if they receive contributions totaling $1,000 or more or if contributions or independent expenditures totaling $500 or more were made in connection with the election. State slate mailer organizations must file this statement if payments of $500 or more are received or made to produce a slate mailer in connection with the election.2
    Gov. Code §§ 84200.5, 84200.8, 84218

11

September 3, 2021
[Date designated by Secretary of State]
  1. CERTIFIED LIST OF WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
    The Secretary of State will prepare and send to affected county elections officials a certified list of write-in candidates showing the names of every write-in candidate eligible to receive votes within the county at the election, their addresses, and the office of Governor to which they seek election. This list will also be mailed to each candidate running for the office of Governor.

10

September 4, 2021*
[Saturday]
  1. PUBLICATION OF CENTRAL TALLY CENTER LOCATION
    Last day that a notice shall be published by the county elections official, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation within the district, specifying the public place to be used as the central tally center for counting the ballots, if ballots not tallied at precincts.
    § 12109

10

September 4, 2021
[Saturday]
  1. STATE VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE SUPPLEMENTAL MAILING BY SECRETARY OF STATE — DEADLINE​
    On or before this date, the Secretary of State to mail Voter Information Guides to voters who registered between Saturday, July 17, 2021 (E-59), and August 16, 2021 (E-29), inclusive.
    § 9094(a)

10

September 4, 2021
[Saturday]
  1. COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE AND POLLING PLACE NOTICE MAILING — DEADLINE​
    Last day for the county elections official to mail a county voter information guide and a polling place notice, which includes any vote centers, to each registered voter who registered at least 29 days before the election, unless the voter has opted to receive them electronically. The polling place notice may state whether the polling place is accessible to the physically handicapped.
    §§ 11324, 13300.7, 13303, 13304, 13305, 14282

10

4

September 4, 2021*
[Saturday]

September 10, 2021
  1. VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES: OPEN ONE VOTE CENTER FOR EVERY 50,000 REGISTERED VOTERS​
    Counties that are implementing the Voter's Choice Act will open one vote center for every 50,000 registered voters. The locations and hours of operation of these vote centers will be available in vote-by-mail materials and on the county website. Any voter registered in the county may visit any vote center in order to receive voter services or vote. The first day a vote center opens, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct board a list of military or overseas voters who registered under Section 3108.
    §§ 3108(b), 4005(a)(2)(A), (4)(A)

10


4

September 4, 2021*
[Saturday]

September 10, 2021
  1. VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES UTILIZING SECTION 1601: OPEN ONE VOTE CENTER FOR EVERY 60,000 REGISTERED VOTERS​
    VCA Counties that are utilizing vote centers pursuant to Section 1601 will open one vote center for every 60,000 registered voters. The locations and hours of operation of these vote centers will be available in vote-by-mail materials and on the county website. Any voter registered in the county may visit any vote center in order to receive voter services or vote. The first day a vote center opens, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct board a list of military or overseas voters who registered under Section 3108.
    §§ 1601, 3108(b)

7

September 7, 2021
  1. REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 15-DAY COUNTY READINESS​ DEADLINE
    Deadline for county elections officials to indicate Report of Registration readiness in their Election Management System (EMS) of all voters registered as of August 30, 2021 (E-15).
    § 2187(a), (c)(3)

7

September 7, 2021
  1. VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT ISSUANCE — DEADLINE​
    Last day for the county elections official to send a registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot.
    §§ 3001, 3003, 3102

    See Items #69 and #70 for exceptions to this deadline.

7

September 7, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]
  1. COMPUTER PROGRAM TO SECRETARY OF STATE​
    Last day for counties to verify their election night vote count computer programs and deposit copies thereof with the Secretary of State.
    § 15001(a)

6

1

September 8, 2021

September 13, 2021
  1. MILITARY OR OVERSEAS VOTER RECALLED TO SERVICE​
    Period in which a registered military or overseas voter recalled to service after September 7, 2021 (E-7), but before 5:00 p.m. on September 13, 2021 (E-1), may appear before the county elections official where they are registered, or, if within the state, in the county in which they have been recalled to service, and obtain a vote-by-mail ballot which may be voted in, or outside, the county elections official’s office on or before the close of the polls and returned as are other voted vote-by-mail ballots.
    § 3111

6

1

September 8, 2021

September 13, 2021
  1. REQUEST FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS — LATE CONDITIONS​
    Period in which any voter may request in writing a vote-by-mail ballot if, because of specified conditions, he or she will be unable to go to the polls for an election. A written statement is not necessary if the vote-by-mail ballot is voted in the office of the elections official at the time of the request. The voter may designate any authorized representative to receive the ballot and return the voted vote-by-mail ballot.
    § 3021

3

0

September 11, 2021*

September 14, 2021
  1. VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES: OPEN ONE VOTE CENTER FOR EVERY 10,000 REGISTERED VOTERS​
    Counties that are implementing the Voter's Choice Act will open one vote center for every 10,000 registered voters. The locations and hours of operation of these vote centers will be available in vote-by-mail materials and on the county website. Any voter registered in the county may visit any vote center in order to receive voter services or vote. The first day a vote center opens, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct board a list of military or overseas voters who registered under Section 3108.
    § 4005(a)(3)(A)

3

0

September 11, 2021*

September 14, 2021
  1. VOTER'S CHOICE ACT COUNTIES UTILIZING SECTION 1601: OPEN ONE VOTE CENTER FOR EVERY 30,000 REGISTERED VOTERS​
    VCA Counties that are utilizing vote centers pursuant to Section 1601 will open one vote center for every 30,000 registered voters. The locations and hours of operation of these vote centers will be available in vote-by-mail materials and on the county website. Any voter registered in the county may visit any vote center in order to receive voter services or vote. The first day a vote center opens, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct board a list of military or overseas voters who registered under Section 3108.
    §§ 1601, 3108(b), 4005(a)(3)(A)

3

0

September 11, 2021*

September 14, 2021
  1. COUNTIES UTILIZING SECTION 1602: OPEN ONE CONSOLIDATED POLLING PLACE FOR EVERY 10,000 REGISTERED VOTERS​
    Counties that are utilizing Section 1602 will open one consolidated polling place for every 10,000 registered voters. The locations and hours of operation of these polling places will be available in vote-by-mail materials and on the county website.
    §§ 1602, 4005(a)(3)(A)

2

September 12, 2021*
[Sunday]
  1. EARLY BALLOT PICKUP NOTIFICATION DEADLINE​
    If a county elections official will pick up ballots prior to the closing of the polls, at least 48 hours in advance of an election, the elections official must notify the public of the dates, times, and places at which ballot containers will be delivered.
    § 14422(a)(3)

1

September 13, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]
  1. MANUAL PROCESSING OF VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS​
    Counties not having the necessary computer capability to process vote-by-mail ballots may begin to manually process vote-by-mail ballots at 5:00 p.m. on this date, but under NO circumstance may a vote count be accessed or released until 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021 (E).
    § 15101(b)(1), (c)

1

September 13, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]
  1. MILITARY OR OVERSEAS VOTER RECALLED TO SERVICE — REGISTRATION DEADLINE​
    Last day a registered military or overseas voter recalled to service after September 7, 2021 (E-7), but before 5:00 p.m. on September 13, 2021 (E-1), may appear before the county elections official where they are registered, or, if within the state, in the county in which they have been recalled to service, and obtain a vote-by-mail ballot which may be voted in, or outside, the county elections official’s office on or before the close of the polls and returned as are other voted vote-by-mail ballots.
    § 3111

1

September 13, 2021
  1. ISSUE ADVOCACY REPORT (ELECTRONIC FILERS ONLY) — PERIOD ENDS​
    A disclosure report must be filed within 48 hours by anyone spending or promising to pay $50,000 or more for a communication disseminated, broadcast, or otherwise published within 45 days of an election, if the communication clearly identifies a candidate for state elective office but does not expressly advocate the election or defeat of that candidate.2
    Cal. Code Regs. tit. 2, § 18539.2; Gov. Code § 85310

0

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION DAY
    On this date, the polls shall be open throughout the state from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    §§ 1000(c), 14212
    An elector can “conditionally” register and vote provisionally at the county elections office, designated satellite office, or a vote center.

0

September 14, 2021
  1. 24-HOUR STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION FILING REQUIREMENT — RECIPIENT COMMITTEES AND SLATE MAILER ORGANIZATIONS — PERIOD ENDS
    A recipient committee or slate mailer organization that qualifies during the 16 days prior to an election in which it must file pre-election statements must file a Statement of Organization Recipient Committee (Form 410) or Statement of Organization Slate Mailer Organization (Form 400) within 24 hours of qualification with the filing officer who will receive the committee’s original disclosure statements by personal delivery, facsimile transmission, online transmission, or guaranteed overnight delivery.2
    Gov. Code §§ 84101, 84108

0

September 14, 2021
  1. HAND DELIVERED OR FAXED VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS RETURNED IN ORDER TO BE COUNTED — DEADLINE
    Voted vote-by-mail ballots hand delivered to the office of the elections official, a polling place, a vote center, a vote-by-mail drop-off location, or a drop box must be received by the county elections official by the close of the polls on Election Day.
    §§ 3017, 14212

    Last day a military or overseas voter who is living outside of the United States (or is called for service within the United States on or after September 7, 2021 (E-7), may return his or her ballot by facsimile transmission. To be counted, the ballot returned by facsimile transmission shall be received by the voter's elections official by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day and shall be accompanied by an identification envelope and a signed oath of declaration.
    § 3106, 3116.5

0

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR PAYMENT REPORT (SLATE MAILER ORGANIZATIONS) — PERIOD ENDS​
    During the 90 days immediately preceding an election, each slate mailer organization that receives a payment of $2,500 or more for the purpose of supporting or opposing any candidate in a slate mailer must report the payment within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office online or by electronic transmission only. (Deadlines are extended to the next business day when they fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, except for the weekend before an election.) Such payments may be reported on a Slate Mailer Late Payment Report (Form 498).2
    Gov. Code § 84220

0

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR CONTRIBUTION REPORT — PERIOD ENDS​
    During the 90 days immediately preceding an election or on the date of the election, the following contributions that total in the aggregate of $1,000 or more must be reported within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office online or by electronic transmission only: contributions made to or received by a candidate being voted upon on the September 14 ballot; contributions made to or received by a primarily formed candidate committee being voted upon on the September 14 ballot; or, contributions made to or received by a political party committee. (Deadlines are extended to the next business day when they fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, except for the weekend before an election.) Recipients of non-monetary or in-kind contributions must file within 48 hours of the date the contribution was received. These contributions are reported on the Contribution Report (Form 497).2
    Gov. Code §§ 81005, 82036, 84203, 84203.3, 85204, 85309

0

September 14, 2021
  1. ELECTION CYCLE REPORTS — 24-HOUR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE REPORT — PERIOD ENDS
    During the 90 days immediately preceding the date of the election, an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more made to a specific candidate or measure involved in an election must be reported on the Independent Expenditure Report (Form 496) within 24 hours to the Secretary of State's office by online or electronic transmission only.2
    Gov. Code §§ 82036.5, 84204, 84215(e), 85204

0

September 14, 2021
  1. MILITARY OR OVERSEAS VOTERS – LATE CONDITIONS​
    Any registered military or overseas voter or any individual born outside of the United States or District of Columbia whose parent or legal guardian was a resident of California when the parent was last living in the United States who has returned to their county of registration on or before this day, and to whom a vote-by-mail ballot has been mailed but not voted, may apply to vote in the county elections official's office or in a polling place.
    §§ 300(b), 321, 3109

    An unregistered military or overseas voter who was 1) released from service after the close of registration and who has returned to his or her county of residence or 2) required to move under official active duty military orders after the close of registration may apply in person to register with the county elections official and vote in the election. Documentary proof of release from service or official military orders are required. On or before the day of the election, or the first day a vote center opens, the county elections official shall deliver to the precinct board a list of military or overseas voters registered under Elections Code section 3108.
    § 3108

    A military or overseas voter or any individual born outside of the United States or District of Columbia whose parent or legal guardian was a resident of California when the parent was last living in the United States who returns to the county after September 7, 2021 (E-7), may appear before the county elections official and apply for registration, a vote-by-mail ballot, or both. The county elections official shall register the voter, if not registered, and shall deliver a vote-by-mail ballot which may be voted in, or outside, the county elections official's office on or before the close of the polls on the day of the election and returned as are other voted vote-by-mail ballots.
    § 3110

0

September 14, 2021
  1. REQUEST FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS — LATE CONDITIONS DEADLINE​
    Last day any voter may request in writing a vote-by-mail ballot because of specified conditions resulting in his or her absence from the polling place or precinct for an election.
    § 3021

0

September 14, 2021
  1. VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT APPLICATIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATE EMERGENCY WORKERS​
    Last day, upon the declaration of an out-of-state emergency by the Governor and the issuance of an executive order authorizing an out-of-state emergency worker to cast a ballot outside of his or her home precinct, that an out-of-state emergency worker may request and vote a vote-by-mail ballot, which must be delivered to the elections official by mail or by hand on or before the close of polls, and returned in the same manner as other voted vote-by-mail ballots.
    §§ 336.7, 3021.5

0

September 14, 2021
[8:00 p.m.]
  1. NEW CITIZEN REGISTRATION PERIOD — DEADLINE​
    Last day a new citizen is eligible to register to vote after the close of registration. The new citizen shall provide the county elections official with proof of citizenship prior to voting and declare that he or she has established residency in California.
    §§ 331, 3500, 3501

    The ballots of new citizens shall be received and canvassed at the same time and under the same procedure as vote-by-mail ballots.
    § 3502

0

September 14, 2021
[8:00 p.m.]
  1. CONDITIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION — DEADLINE​
    Last day for an elector to "conditionally" register and vote provisionally at the county elections office, designated satellite office, or a vote center.
    § 2170

0

September 14, 2021
[8:00 p.m.]
  1. SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS​
    Beginning at 8:00 p.m. and continuously until completed, the county elections official shall conduct the semifinal official canvass of votes and report totals to the Secretary of State at least every two hours.
    §§ 15150, 15151

 

Days Following Election Date  
2 September 16, 2021

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNPROCESSED BALLOTS
On this day, county elections official shall send to the Secretary of State an initial report containing the estimated number of outstanding unprocessed ballots.
§ 15305(b)

2

30
September 16, 2021

October 14, 2021

OFFICIAL CANVASS — BEGINNING​
Beginning no later than the Thursday following the election, the county elections official must begin the official canvass of the precinct returns. This canvass must be completed no later than October 14, 2021 (E+30).
§§ 15301, 15372

6

30
September 20, 2021

October 14, 2021

REPORT ON ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNPROCESSED BALLOTS​
Beginning on this day, the county elections official shall, on any day that the county elections official publicly releases updated election results, send to the Secretary of State a report on the estimated number of outstanding unprocessed ballots. The last report shall be delivered upon completion of the official canvass.
§ 15305(c)

7 September 21, 2021

MAILED VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS — LAST DAY TO BE COUNTED​
Any vote-by-mail ballot cast shall be deemed timely if it is received by the elections official via the United States Postal Service or a bona fide private mail delivery company no later than seven days after Election Day and either of the following is satisfied: 1) the ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day or is time stamped or date stamped by a bona fide private mail delivery company on or before Election Day, or 2) if the ballot has no postmark, a postmark with no date, or an illegible postmark, the vote-by-mail ballot identification envelope is date stamped by the elections official upon receipt of the vote-by-mail ballot from the United States Postal Service or a bona fide private mail delivery company, and is signed and dated pursuant to Section 3011 on or before Election Day.
§§ 1605(d), 3017, 3020(b), (c)

8 September 22, 2021

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS RETURNED TO DIFFERENT COUNTY​Last for a county elections official to forward a ballot, which was delivered to their county, to the county that issued the ballot.
§ 3017

10 September 24, 2021

PROVISIONAL BALLOTS OF EMERGENCY WORKERS​
If the Governor declares a state of emergency and issues an executive order authorizing an emergency worker to cast a ballot outside of his or her precinct, the provisional ballot cast by the emergency worker by the close of polls on Election Day must be received by the county elections official where the voter is registered no later than this day. The county elections official in a county included in the executive order declaring the emergency shall transmit for processing any ballot cast by the close of polls on Election Day by an emergency worker in a declared state of emergency, including any materials necessary to process the ballot, to the elections official in the county where the voter is registered to vote.
§ 14313

22 October 6, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS — NOTICE TO CURE MISMATACHED SIGNATURE ON ENVELOPE ON IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE OR UNSIGNED IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE​
By this date, the elections official shall provide to all voters who have been identified as having a signature on the vote-by-mail identification envelope that did not match their signature on their voter record a notice of the opportunity to verify their signatures no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2021 (E+28).
§ 3019(d)(1)

By this date, the elections official shall provide to all voters identified as having failed to sign the vote-by-mail identification envelope a notice of the opportunity to provide a signature no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2021 (E+28).
§ 3019(e)(1)

23 October 7, 2021

REPORT OF REGISTRATION — 15-DAY STATEWIDE REPORT PUBLISHED​
On or before this date, the Secretary of State will release a statewide report showing the number of registered voters, by political party preference, in the state, in each county, and in each political subdivision thereof. This report is based on the number of persons registered as of August 30, 2021 (E-15).
§ 2187(b), (c)(3)

28 October 12, 2021
[5:00 p.m.]

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS — DEADLINE TO CURE MISMATACHED SIGNATURE ON ENVELOPE ON IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE OR UNSIGNED IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE
Last day for a county elections official to receive from a voter, whose signature on their vote-by-mail identification envelope did not match with their signature on their voter record, a "signature verification statement;" this statement can be submitted in person, or by mail, email or fax.
§ 3019(d)(4)

Last day for a voter who did not sign the vote-by-mail ballot identification envelope to either sign the identification envelope at the office of the county elections official or complete and submit an "unsigned ballot statement" in person to the county elections official, or by mail, email or fax.
§ 3019(e)(1)

30 October 14, 2021

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNPROCESSED BALLOTS — FINAL REPORT​ 
No later than this date, the last report on the estimated number of outstanding unprocessed ballots shall be delivered to the Secretary of State.
§ 15305(c)

31 October 15, 2021

OFFICIAL CANVASS DEADLINE
No later than this date, the county elections official must complete the canvass, certify its results, and submit it to the board of supervisors.
§ 15372

38 October 22, 2021

STATEMENT OF THE VOTE
Last day for the Secretary of State to prepare, certify, and file a statement of the vote from the compiled election returns and post to the Secretary of State's website.
§ 15501

38 October 22, 2021
[Suggested Date]

CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION
Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of election to the elected candidate, if the recall election is successful.
§§ 8147, 15504

139 January 31, 2022

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT — SEMIANNUAL​
Last day to file semiannual campaign statements for candidates, committees, and slate mailer organizations.2
Gov. Code §§ 84200, 84218

158 February 19, 2022*

SUPPLEMENT TO THE STATEMENT OF THE VOTE
Last day for the Secretary of State to compile a supplement to the statement of the vote showing the number of votes cast in each county, city, state assembly district, state senatorial district, congressional district, and supervisorial district for each candidate for the office of Governor.
§ 15502

*Deadline falls on a weekend or state holiday; it does not move forward to the next business day.
**Deadline falls on a weekend or state holiday; the action may be conducted on the next business day. (Elections Code § 15)

1 All code references are to the California Elections Code unless otherwise stated.

2 Paper and electronic or online filings may be required. This does not cover ALL campaign disclosure requirements. Please contact the Fair Political Practices Commission at 1-866-275-3772 for all filing obligations.

3 Elections Code section 3114 and the federal MOVE Act require that ballots be sent to military and overseas voters no later than 45 days prior to an election. This E-45 deadline must be adhered to and does not move forward even though the date falls on a Saturday.