What are the requirements for special elections?
In California, a special election is an election held to fill a vacancy. It can be called for various reasons, such as a vacancy in an office created due to death or resignation. Special elections are also called to decide on certain issues, such as changes to the state constitution or bond measures. Generally, special elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month following the vacancy or issue. In the event that a vacancy is filled during a regularly scheduled general election, the special election will take place at the same time. To be eligible to participate in a special election in California, a voter must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a California resident and registered voter in the county of the vacancy at least 15 days before the election. Candidates running for a seat can qualify for the ballot by filing a Declaration of Candidacy or Nomination and a Statement of Economic Interests with the county elections official. Generally, these forms must be filled out and submitted within 123 days before the election. Political parties also have the option to nominate candidates by holding a special election, wherein members of the same party who are registered in the county of the vacancy are eligible to vote. This is typically done when the vacancy is for a partisan office, such as state senate. The party must submit a list of candidates to the county elections office no later than 88 days prior to the special election. Organizations, such as cities, are also allowed to hold special elections to decide on certain measures or to fill a vacancy. These typically take place on the second Tuesday of the month following the election. To be eligible, a voter must be registered with the jurisdiction or territory as of 30 days before the election.
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