Candidate Resources

The City Clerk has gathered the following information and resources for those who want to run for office: 

Candidate EligibilityReady-to-Run

  • A candidate must be a United States Citizen; 
  • 18 years old on or before the election day and  and a citizen of the state (Government Code Section 1020);
  • A registered voter living in the City of Cloverdale at the time nomination papers are issued (The City Clerk will verify voter registration with the County of Sonoma Registrar of Voters.)  Unless otherwise specifically provided, no person is eligible to be elected or appointed to an elective office unless that person is a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time that nomination papers are issued to the person as provided for in Section 10227 of the Elections Code.
  • A person is disqualified from holding any office upon conviction of designated crimes as specified in the Constitution and the laws of the State of California (Government Code Section 1021).

Nomination Period

July 18, 2022, through August 12, 2022. Official nomination petitions for eligible candidates that desire to file are available from the Office of the City Clerk, 124 N. Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale CA, 95424, from July 18, 2022, through August 12, 2022, by appointment.

The Nomination period for Council member and City Treasurer has been extended to August 17, 2022, 5 p.m. 

Nomination Process

During the open nomination period, each interested candidate meets with the City Clerk. Each candidate is provided a Candidate's Filing Guide containing useful information and regulations regarding the election process and campaign. Candidates also receive important documents to be completed and filed by the end of the nomination period. These documents include, but are not limited to the Nomination Petition, Ballot Designation Worksheet, Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications Form, Code of Fair Campaign Practices and FPPC Forms (mandated by the Fair Political Practices Commission).

Forms Required when Filing for Candidate Nomination

In accordance with State law, candidates are required to complete designated forms when filing for candidacy. Please be aware that in accordance with State law, all documents are public record after the close of the nomination period; however, personal information on nomination petition will be redacted i.e. addresses.

  • Nomination Paper - With signatures of 20 City of Cloverdale registered voters (The City Clerk will verify the voter signatures with the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters.
  • Ballot Designation Worksheet
  • Form 501 - Candidate Intention Statement - Candidates must file the Form 501 before soliciting or receiving any contributions or before making expenditures from personal funds on behalf of their candidacy. 
  • Form 700 - Statement of Economic Interest - The Political Reform Act requires most state and local government officials to publicly disclose their personal assets and income. They also must disqualify themselves from participating in decisions that may affect their personal economic interest. 
  • Form 410 - Statement of Organization - Candidates must file this form within 10 days of receiving $2,000 in contributions. 
  • Form 460 - Recipient Committee Campaign Statement - A candidate who has a controlled committee or who has raised or spent or will raise or spend $2,000 or more during a calendar year in connection with election to office or holding office.
  • Form 470 - Officeholder and Candidate Campaign Statement, short form - A candidate who does not have a controlled committee; does not anticipate receiving contributions or does not anticipate spending totaling $2,000 or more during a calendar year.

Candidate's Information Guide

The Candidate's Information Guide and all necessary documents/ forms for the election for the City of Cloverdale will be available for pick up at the start of the nomination period. Candidates must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to receive the necessary documents and forms during the nomination period. Appointments can be made by email: mmaloney@ci.cloverdale.ca.us or call 707.894.1712 to leave a message with the Clerk to call and schedule the appointment. 

Fair Political Practices Commission

The Mission of the Fair Political Practices Commission is to promote the integrity of representative state and local government in California through fair, impartial interpretation and enforcement of political campaign, lobbying, and conflict of interest laws. To further assist you as the candidate, it is important to visit the FPPC (Fair Political Practices Commission) website for additional election and contact information. 

Important Contact/Telephone Numbers

Quick Access to contact information

Secretary of State

The Secretary of State’s office is dedicated to making government more transparent and accessible in the areas of elections, business, political campaigning, legislative advocacy, and historical treasures.

The Secretary of State responsibilities include:

  • Serving as the state’s Chief Elections Officer
  • Serves as a filing officer for Forms 410 Statement of Organization

Public Information

Becoming a candidate for public office means that information about you will become a matter of public record. With a few exceptions, this includes any and all documents submitted to the City during the course of the election. Consequently, these documents must, by law, be available to the public for inspection and/or copying.