Presidential Primary Election

Every aspect of running for office or running a campaign has code-defined time frames. The Election Calendar is a guide that is created especially for every election. It includes all the deadlines that candidates, campaigns, reporters and the voting public need to know.

March 5, 2024 Election Calendar

NOTE: The information below is as accurate as possible, but not every requirement or exception is listed. In the event of a conflict, the date set by statute takes precedence over dates listed below. The Registration & Elections Division reserves the right to update this calendar as necessary.

Days Prior to Election Date Election Calendar for March 5, 2024
Presidential Primary Election                                                                           
Action Taken
173

118
Thursday, September 14, 2023

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Signatures in Lieu of Filing Fee Filing Period
Between these dates, Signatures in Lieu of Filing Fee Petitions are available for all voter-nominated state and nonpartisan countywide offices.
EC §§8061, 8105, 8106
179

Friday, September 8, 2023

Judicial Candidate Seminar
The Judicial Candidate Seminar will be held at 12:15 p.m. on this day

158 Friday, September 29, 2023 Notice of the Secretary of State on Offices
By this date, the Secretary of State shall issue a notice designating the offices, except those of county officers and judges, for which candidates are to be nominated in the Direct Primary Election.
EC §12103
158

88
Friday, September 29, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023
County Central Committee Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Candidate Filing Period for County Central Committee candidates.  Nomination Documents (Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Papers) are available during this time.  Paperwork must be received by the County Elections Official by the close of business at 5 p.m. on December 8, 2023.  No candidate whose Declaration of Candidacy has been filed for any primary election may withdraw as a candidate at that primary election
EC §§8020, 8800, 13107
148 Monday, October 9, 2023 Proclamation of the Governor
By this date, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling the election and shall state the time of the election and offices to be filled.
EC §12000
146 Wednesday, October 11, 2023 First Candidate Seminar
First Candidate Seminar will be held at 10 a.m. on this day. 
134 Monday, October 23, 2023 Deadline for Political Parties
Last day for a political party to notify the Secretary of State that it has
adopted a rule that allows a person who has no party preference to
vote on the ballot of that political party for party-nominated offices in
the Primary Election.  (Note:  Deadline falls on a Sunday. Date is moved to the next day, October 23, 2023, per EC §15)
EC §13102(c)
131 Thursday, October 26, 2023 Statewide Measures Deadline
Last day for a statewide initiative measure, constitutional amendment, bond measure or other legislative measure to qualify for the Presidential Primary Election ballot on March 5, 2024.
EC §9040; Cal. Const. Art. II §8©
130 Friday, October 27, 2023 School or Special District Vacancy
Last day for the governing body of a local jurisdiction to call for an election on March 5, 2024 to fill a vacancy to be on the ballot.
GC §1780(e)(2); ED §5091(b)
127

118
Monday, October 30, 2023

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Declaration of Intentions Filing Period (Judicial Candidates Only)
Between these dates, Declaration of Intentions shall be filed by judicial candidates.  If the incumbent of a judicial office fails to file a Declaration of Intention by the end of this period, persons other than the incumbent may file Declarations of Intention no later than November 13, 2023, the first day for filing Nomination Papers.  Filing fee must be paid at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention.
EC §§8020, 8023, 8105(b)
127

113
Monday, October 30, 2023

Monday, November 13, 2023
City Notice of Election
Between these dates, a city shall publish its Notice of Election, stating the offices to be filled and time of election.  The City Elections Official shall consolidate the Notice of Election and the Notice of City Measures into one notice if the measure was placed on the ballot prior to the Notice of Election's publication.
EC §§12101, 12111; GC §6061
125 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Notice of the Secretary of State on Political Parties
By this date, Secretary of State shall issue a notice designating the
political parties qualified to participate in the Presidential Primary Election.
EC §12103
125 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Special District Vacancy
Last day for special districts governed by the Uniform District Election Law to notify County Elections Official of offices to be filled, specifying which offices, if any, are for the balance of an unexpired term, decisions regarding payment of candidate statements, and a map showing the boundaries of the district and the boundaries of the divisions of the district, if any, within that county and a statement indicating in which divisions a director is to be elected and whether any elective officer is to be elected at large.
EC §§10509, 10522
124 Thursday, November 2, 2023 Second Candidate Seminar
Second Candidate Seminar will be held at 2 p.m. on this day. 
123 Friday, November 3, 2023 School District Vacancy
Last day for a school governing board to deliver a resolution (the "specifications of the election order") to the County Superintendent of Schools and the County Elections Official calling for an election of governing board members.
ED §5322
120 Monday, November 6, 2023 School District Vacancy
Last day for the County Superintendent of Schools to deliver a copy of the official order and formal notice of election of governing board members to the County Elections Official.
ED §5325(b)
120

90
Monday, November 6, 2023

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
County Notice of Election
Between these dates, the County Elections Official shall publish the Notice of Election (date of election, identification of offices to be filled, statement of required qualifications, where Nomination Documents are available, deadline for filing required forms, statement regarding appointment, and the hours of opening and closing of the polls).  The notice of central counting place may be combined with this notice.  The County Elections Official shall also issue a press release indicating offices to be filled and a telephone contact number for related information.
EC §§10242, 12109, 12112; GC §6061; ED §5363
118 Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Signatures in Lieu of Filing Fee Filing Period Closes
Last day to file Signatures in Lieu of Filing Fee Petitions for all voter-nominated state and nonpartisan countywide offices.  Must be filed at least 30 days before the close of the candidate nomination period.
EC §§8061, 8105, 8106
118 Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Declaration of Intention Filing Period Closes (Judicial Candidates Only)
Last day for incumbent judicial candidates to file a Declaration of Intention.  If the incumbent judicial candidate fails to file a Declaration of Intention by this date, persons other than the incumbent may file Declarations of Intention no later than November 13, 2023, the first day for filing Nomination Papers.  Filing fee must be paid at the time of filing the Declaration of Intention.

EC §§8020, 8023, 8105(b)

114 Sunday, November 12, 2023 City Vacancy
For a vacancy in a city elective office, this is the last day for the city council to call for a special election for March 5, 2024 to fill the vacancy.  The city shall immediately publish the Notice of Election.  (NOTE:  Because the deadline E-114 falls on a Sunday, the safest option is for the city to take this action by E-116, Friday, November 10, 2023)
EC §§12101(b); GC §36512                                                         
113 Monday, November 13, 2023 Extended Declaration of Intention Filing Period Closes (Judicial Candidates Only)
If the incumbent of a judicial office fails to file a Declaration of Intention by 5 p.m. on November 8, 2023, persons other than the incumbent may file a Declaration of Intention by 5 p.m. on this date.  Filing fee must be paid at the time of filing.
EC §§8023(b), 8105(b)
113

88
Monday, November 13, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023
Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Candidate Filing Period.  Nomination Documents (Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Papers) are available during this time. Paperwork must be filed by the close of business on December 8, 2023.  City candidates shall file paperwork with their City Clerk’s office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on December 8, 2023.  No candidate who has filed a Declaration of Candidacy may withdraw as a candidate, except city,  school and special district candidates are permitted to withdraw candidacy no later than December 8, 2023.
EC §§8020, 8061, 8105, 8800, 10220, 10224, 10407(a), 10510, 10603, 13107
113

88
Monday, November 13, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023
Candidate Statement Filing Period (Optional)
Between these dates, county, city, school and special districts, Superior Court, United States House of Representatives, State Senate and Assembly candidates may publish a candidate statement in the County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet.  State Senate and Assembly candidates may do so only if they have agreed to accept the voluntary expenditure limits on their Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501).  A candidate statement shall be filed when the candidate’s Nomination Papers are returned for filing no later than December 8, 2023.  If it is for an election for which Nomination Papers are not required to be filed, a statement shall be filed no later than December 8, 2023.  City candidates shall file their candidate statements with their City Clerk’s office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on December 8, 2023.  The candidate statement may be withdrawn, but not changed during this period and until 5 p.m. of the next working day (Monday, December 11, 2023) after the close of the Candidate Filing Period.  County Central Committee candidates are not allowed to publish a candidate statement.  United States Senate candidates may publish a candidate statement in the State Voter Information Guide.
EC §§13307, 13307.5; GC §85601(c) 
90

0
Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Contribution 24-Hour Reporting Period
During this period, a contribution, including a loan, that totals in the aggregate $1,000 or more per source made to or received by a candidate or committee must be reported within 24 hours.
GC §§82036, 84203
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 Lists of Party Candidates for the United States President
Last day for the Secretary of State to publicly announce and distribute lists of Democratic Party, Republican Party, American Independent Party, and Peace and Freedom Party candidates for the President of the United States that the Secretary of State intends to place on the Presidential Primary Election ballot.
EC §§6041, 6340, 6520, 6720-22
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 School District Measures
Last day for a school governing board to deliver a resolution (the "specifications of the election order") to the County Elections Official calling for an election on a measure.
ED §5322
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 Election Consolidation Deadline
Last day for a local entity to deliver a resolution requesting election services and consolidation from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for the March 5, 2024 Election.  A copy of the resolution of the governing board requesting the consolidation shall be submitted to the County Elections Official.  A copy of the exact form of the question, proposition, or office to appear on the ballot must also be submitted.
EC §§1405, 10002, 10403(a)(b), 12001    
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 Candidate Filing Period Closes
Last day for candidates to submit Nomination Documents (Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Papers).  City candidates shall file paperwork with their City Clerk's office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk's office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on this date.
EC §§8020, 8061, 8105, 8800, 10220, 10224, 10407(a), 10510, 10603, 13107
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 Candidate Statement Filing Period Closes (Optional)
Last day for county, city, school and special districts, Superior Court, United States House of Representatives, State Senate and Assembly candidates to file a candidate statement to be published in the County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet.  A candidate statement shall be filed when the candidate’s Nomination Papers are returned for filing no later than this date.  If it is for an election for which Nomination Papers are not required to be filed, a statement shall be filed no later than this day.  City candidates shall file their candidate statements with their City Clerk’s office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on this day.
EC §§13307, 13307.5; GC §85601(c) 
88 Friday, December 8, 2023 Candidacy Withdrawal Deadline for City, School and Special District Candidates
Last day for city, school and special district candidates who have qualified for the ballot to withdraw their candidacy.  School and special district candidates have until 5 p.m.; city candidates should check the hours of their City Clerk's office.
EC §§10510(a), 10603(b), 10224.
88

78
Friday, December 8, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023
Candidate/Measure Documents Public Examination Period
The 10-calendar-day public examination period begins December 8, 2023 at 5 p.m. and ends December 18, 2023 at 5 p.m. for all documents filed as of the filing deadline of December 8, 2023.  Between these dates, the Elections Official or any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, may seek a writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all of the materials to be amended or deleted if found to be false, misleading or inconsistent with the Elections Code. 
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313
88

78
Friday, December 8, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023
Judicial Write-In Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates, anyone seeking to run as a write-in candidate for a Superior Court judge office where only the incumbent has filed Nomination Documents must file a petition indicating a write-in campaign will be conducted.  The petition must be signed by at least 0.1 percent of the registered voters qualified to vote with respect to the office, provided that the petition shall contain at least 100 signatures but need not contain more than 600 signatures.
EC §8203(a)
87

83
Saturday, December 9, 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Extended Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Extended Candidate Filing Period.  If an eligible incumbent does not file Nomination Documents (Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Papers) by December 8, 2023 at 5 p.m., the filing period is extended for that office for five calendar days until December 13, 2023 at 5 p.m., for any person other than the incumbent. City candidates shall file paperwork with their City Clerk’s office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on December 13, 2023.  This section is not applicable where there is no incumbent eligible to be elected. 
EC §§8022, 8024, 10225, 10407(b), 10516, 10604
85 Monday, December 11, 2023 Candidate Statement Withdrawal Deadline
Except as provided in EC §13309, this date is the last day (until 5 p.m.) for candidates to withdraw their candidate statements.  The statement may be withdrawn, but not changed.
EC §13307(a)(3)
85 Monday, December 11, 2023 County Notice of Measures
The County Elections Official will publish a notice regarding County, School District and Special District measures, the dates for submitting Primary Arguments and Rebuttals, and the 10-calendar-day public examination periods.
EC §§9163, 9502; GC §6061
84 Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Primary Arguments Due
Primary Arguments in favor of and against local measures are due by 5 p.m. on this date.  Such arguments, if already submitted, may be changed until and including this day.  Proponents/opponents of the measure shall provide a list of supporters/opponents for printing on the official ballot to the Elections Official when submitting primary arguments supporting/opposing the measure.  The list of supporters/opponents must be taken from the signer or the text of the argument in favor/in opposition of the measure.  Arguments in favor of and against city measures must be filed with the City Clerk’s office.  Contact the City Clerk’s office for deadline as cities may set different filing due date for Primary Arguments.
EC §§9162-63, 9170, 9282-83, 9286, 9315-16, 9501-03
84

74
Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023
Primary Arguments Public Examination Period
The 10-calendar-day public examination period begins December 12, 2023 at 5 p.m. and ends December 22, 2023 at 5 p.m. for Primary Arguments filed in favor of and against local measures.  Between these dates, the Elections Official or any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, may seek a writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all of the materials to be amended or deleted if found to be false, misleading or inconsistent with the Elections Code.  Arguments in favor of and against city measures are reviewed at the City Clerk’s office.  Contact the City Clerk’s office for deadline.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509
83 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Extended Candidate Filing Period Closes
Extended Candidate Filing Period closes at 5 p.m. on this date.  Extended filing periods occur when an eligible incumbent does not file for re-election; the extension only applies to non-incumbent candidates for such an office.  City candidates shall file paperwork with their City Clerk’s office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on this date.
EC §§8022, 8024, 10225, 10407(b),10516, 10604                                                                                          
83 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Measure Amendment/Withdrawal Deadline
Last day for an order of election calling for a ballot measure to be amended or withdrawn.  A resolution of the legislative body that issued the order of election must be filed with the Elections Official by this date in order to amend or withdraw a ballot measure.
EC §9605
83

73
Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Saturday, December 23, 2023
Candidate Documents Public Examination Period for Extended Offices
The 10-calendar-day public examination period begins December 13, 2023 at 5 p.m. and ends December 23, 2023 at 5 p.m. for all documents filed by the Extended Candidate Filing Period deadline of December 13, 2023.  Between these dates, the Elections Official or any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, may seek a writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all of the materials to be amended or deleted if found to be false, misleading or inconsistent with the Elections Code.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313     
82 Thursday, December 14, 2023 Randomized Alphabet Drawings
Randomized Alphabet Drawings are conducted by both the Secretary of State and County Elections Official on this date at 11 a.m. to determine the order in which candidate names will appear on the ballot and the letters that will be assigned to each ballot measure.
EC §§13111-13, 13116
82 Thursday, December 14, 2023 Candidate Statement Withdrawal Deadline for Extended Offices
Last day (until 5 p.m.) for candidates for offices with extended filing deadline of December 13, 2023 to withdraw their candidate statements.  The statement may be withdrawn, but not changed.
EC §§13307(a)(3) 
81 Friday, December 15, 2023 Consolidated Election Candidate Names
For consolidated elections, the names of the candidates to appear on the ballot where district, city or other political subdivision offices are to be filled shall be filed with the County Elections Official by this date.
EC §10403(c)
78 Monday, December 18, 2023 Candidate/Measure Documents Public Examination Period Closes
The 10-calendar-day public examination period ends at 5 p.m. for all documents filed by December 8, 2023.  A writ of mandate or injunction request shall be filed no later than this date on documents filed by the filing  deadline of December 8, 2023.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313
78 Monday, December 18, 2023 Judicial Write-In Candidate Filing Period Closes
Last day for anyone seeking to run as a write-in candidate for a Superior Court judge office where only the incumbent has filed Nomination Documents to file a petition indicating a write-in campaign will be conducted.  The petition must be signed by at least 0.1 percent of the registered voters qualified to vote with respect to the office, provided that the petition shall contain at least 100 signatures but need not contain more than 600 signatures.
EC §8203(a)
77 Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Rebuttal Arguments Due
Rebuttal Arguments for measures where a Primary Argument was filed both in favor and against are due on this date by 5 p.m.  Such Rebuttal Arguments may be changed until and including this date.  Rebuttal Arguments for city measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office.  Contact the City Clerk’s office for deadline as cities may set different filing due date for Rebuttal Arguments.
EC §§9163, 9167, 9285-86, 9316-17, 9502, 9504    
77 Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Impartial Analyses Due
Impartial Analyses for measures are due on this date by 5 p.m.  Impartial Analyses for city measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office.  Contact the City Clerk’s office for deadline as cities may set different filing due date for Impartial Analyses.
EC §§9160, 9280, 9313-14, 9500
77

67
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023
Rebuttal Arguments/Impartial Analyses Public Examination Period
The 10-calendar-day public examination period begins December 19, 2023 at 5 p.m. and ends December 29, 2023 at 5 p.m. for Rebuttal Arguments filed in favor or against local measures and Impartial Analyses.  Between these dates, the Elections Official or any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, may seek a writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all of the materials to be amended or deleted if found to be false, misleading or inconsistent with the Elections Code.  Rebuttal Arguments and Impartial Analyses for city measures are reviewed at the City Clerk’s office.  Contact the City Clerk’s office for deadline.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509
74 Friday, December 22, 2023 Primary Arguments Public Examination Period Closes
The 10-calendar-day public examination period ends at 5 p.m. on this day for all Primary Arguments filed in favor of and against local measures.  A writ of mandate or injunction request shall be filed no later than this date on documents filed by the deadline of December 12, 2023.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509
73 Saturday, December 23, 2023 Candidate Documents Public Examination Period for Extended Offices Closes
The 10-calendar-day public examination period ends at 5 p.m. for all documents filed by December 13, 2023.  A writ of mandate or injunction request shall be filed no later than this date on documents filed by the Extended Candidate Filing Period deadline of December 13 2023.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313
68 Thursday, December 28, 2023 Withdrawal Deadline for Party Candidates for the United States President
Last day for a candidate to withdraw his or her name from the Secretary of State list of recognized Democratic Party, Republican Party, American Independent Party, and Peace and Freedom Party  candidates for the President of the United States by filing with the Secretary of State an affidavit.
EC §§6042 6341, 6521, 6723
68 Thursday, December 28, 2023 Certified List of Candidates
By this date, the Secretary of State shall provide a certified list of qualified Federal and State Legislative candidates, including ballot rotation lists, to the County Election Offices.
EC §§8120-25
67 Friday, December 29, 2023 Rebuttal Arguments/Impartial Analyses Public Examination Period Closes
The 10-calendar-day public examination period ends on this date at 5 p.m. for all Rebuttal Arguments filed in favor of and/or against local measures and Impartial Analyses.  A writ of mandate or injunction request shall be filed no later than this date on documents filed by December 19, 2023.
EC §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509
60

45
Friday, January 5, 2024

Saturday, January 20, 2024
Sending Vote by Mail Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters
Between these dates, the County Elections Official must send ballots and balloting materials to all Military and Overseas Voters who filed ballot applications by January 20, 2024.
EC §§300(b), 3105, 3114
57

14
Monday, January 8, 2024

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Write-In Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Candidate Filing Period for write-in candidates.  Write-in candidates must file a statement of write-in candidacy and other required documentation with the County Elections Official.  City candidates must file their paperwork with their City Clerk's office and should check the business hours of their City Clerk's office.
EC §§8600-05
45 Saturday, January 20, 2024 Deadline for Sending Vote by Mail Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters
County Elections Official must send ballots and balloting material to all Military and Overseas Voters who filed ballot applications by this date.
EC §§300(b), 3105, 3114
40 Thursday, January 25, 2024 Mailing of State Voter Information Guides
No later than this date, the Secretary of State shall begin mailing State Voter Information Guides to voters who are registered at least 29 days prior to the election.  The County Elections Official will mail a State Voter Information Guide to any person upon request.
EC §9094
40 Thursday, January 25, 2024 First Pre-election Statement Due
First pre-election campaign committee statement for candidates and committees is due for the period ending January 20, 2024 (which is 45 days before the election).
GC §§84200.5, 84200.8
Fixed Date Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Semiannual Statement Due
Except as provided in GC §84200 paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), elected officials, candidates and committees pursuant to subdivision (a) of GC §82013 and slate mailer organizations shall file semiannual statements no later than this date for the period ending December 31, 2023.
GC §§82013, 84200, 84218
29 Monday, February 5, 2024 Mailing of Vote by Mail Ballots
No later than this date, the County Elections Official shall begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all registered voters in the county.
EC §4005(a)(8)(A)
29 Monday, February 5, 2024 Processing of Vote by Mail Ballots
Processing of Vote by Mail ballots may begin on this date.  Processing Vote by Mail ballots includes opening Vote by Mail ballot return envelopes, removing ballots, duplicating any damaged ballots and preparing the ballots to be machine-read, or machine reading them, including processing write-in votes so that they can be tallied by the machine, but under no circumstances may a vote count be accessed or released until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
EC §15101
29 Monday, February 5, 2024 Early Vote Centers
Early voting period starts on this day, with three Vote Centers opening in San Mateo, Redwood City, and South San Francisco.                                                      
28

0
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Ballot Dropoff Locations
Between these dates, at least one ballot dropoff location shall be provided for every 15,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on December 8, 2023 (i.e., 88 days before Election Day).  All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours.  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.
EC§ 4005(a)(1)
21 Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Mailing of County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlets
By this date, the  County Elections Official shall mail the County Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet to each voter who is registered at least 29 days prior to the election.
EC §§13303-04
14 Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Voter Registration Deadline
Voter registration closes on this date for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election.  Voters must register by this date to be eligible to vote non-provisionally in this election.  Voter registration forms postmarked prior to or on this date are accepted.  (Note:  Deadline falls on a holiday.  Date is moved to next day, February 20, 2024, per EC §15)
EC §2102
14 Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Write-In Candidate Filing Period Closes
The Candidate Filing Period for write-in candidates ends on this date at 5 p.m.  All candidates must submit all required documents by this date in order to be a qualified write-in candidate.  City candidates must file their paperwork with their City Clerk's office.
EC §§8600-05
13

0
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
New United States Citizens
Between these dates, individuals who become new United States citizens on or after February 21, 2024, are eligible to register and vote at any Vote Center.  A new citizen registering during this time must provide proof of citizenship and declare that he or she has established residency in California. (Note: Voter Registration deadline falls on a holiday and is moved to next day per EC §15.  As a result, the starting date for this period is also moved from February 20 to February 21, 2024.)
EC §§331, 3500-01
13

0
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Conditional Voter Registration
Between these dates, the County Elections Official shall provide Conditional Voter Registration and provisional voting at all Vote Centers for voters who missed the February 20, 2024 deadline.  (Note:  Voter Registration deadline falls on a holiday and is moved to next day per EC §15.  As a result, the starting date for this period is also moved from February 20 to February 21, 2024.)
EC §§2170-71
12 Thursday, February 22, 2024 Second Pre-election Statement Due
Second pre-election campaign committee statement for candidates and committees is due for the period ending February 17, 2024 (which is 17 days before the election).
GC §§84200.5, 84200.8
10

4
Saturday, February 24, 2024

Friday, March 1, 2024
11-Day Vote Centers
Between these dates, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one Vote Center is provided for every 50,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on December 8, 2023 (i.e., 88 days before Election Day).  Any voter registered in the county may visit any Vote Center in order to receive voter services or vote.
EC §4005(a)(2), (a)(4)(A)
7 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 List of Vote Centers
By this date (one week before Election Day), the County Elections Official shall publish a list of the polling places (Vote Centers) designated for each election precinct for the election.
EC §12105
7 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Deadline to Request Mailing of Replacement Vote by Mail Ballots
Voters interested in having replacement Vote by Mail ballots be mailed to them should make the request by this date to ensure the ballots will be postmarked on or before Election Day and be received by the County Elections Official by March 12, 2024.
EC §3020(b)
7 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Deadline to Request Language Ballots or Facsimile Copies of Language Ballots
Last day for voters to request the County Elections Official to send a Vote by Mail ballot in Spanish, Chinese or Filipino, or a facsimile copy of the ballot printed in Korean, Burmese, Japanese or Hindi.
EC §4005(a)(8)(B)(i)(III)
7 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Deadline to Request Ballots for Voters with Disabilities
Last day for voters to request the County Elections Official to send or deliver a ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20901 et seq.).
EC §4005(a)(8)(B)(i)(IV)
3

0
Saturday, March 2, 2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
4-Day Vote Centers
Between these dates, for a minimum of eight hours per day (7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day), at least one Vote Center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on December 8, 2023 (i.e., 88 days before Election Day).  Any voter registered in the county may visit any Vote Center in order to receive voter services or vote.
EC §4005(a)(2), (a)(3)(A)
0 Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Election Day
All Vote Centers open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Semifinal official canvass commences upon the closing of all polls at 8 p.m.
EC §§1000, 4005, 14212, 15150-51

 

Days 
Following 
Election
Date Action Taken
7 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Ballot Return Deadline
Vote by Mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day must be received by the County Elections Official by this date in order to be counted.
EC §3020(b)
30 Thursday, April 4, 2024 Election Certification
Last day for the County Elections Official to certify the election results to the jurisdictions participating in the election.
EC §15372

Reference
§ or §§: Section or Sections
EC: California Elections Code
ED: California Education Code
GC: California Government Code

All above California Codes may be referenced online at: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml