How to Run for Office

The next Fairfax General Municipal Election is November 5, 202 for the election of three (3) Council Members, as well as to vote on a ballot initiative measure regarding just cause eviction and rent stabilization ordinances.

To be eligible to run for office you must be:

1. A Town of Fairfax resident
2. A registered voter in the Town of Fairfax.
   1. You can register or confirm that you are registered by contacting the Marin County Elections Office.
3. A U.S. citizen
4. 18 yeas or older

July 15, 2024 - August 9, 2024

This is the filing timeline for Candidate Nomination papers.

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) mandates the campaign filing requirements for local candidates. The Town Clerk serves as the filing officer for local campaign disclosure statements.

Candidates are required to disclose certain economic interests, and must file periodic campaign reports. Failure to file appropriate statements and reports can result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. Failure to file within prescribed deadlines can also lead to monetary penalties for each day a statement is late. The appropriate forms will be provided to candidates by the Town Clerk.

Candidate Intention Statement (Form 501)

A candidate for local office must file this form prior to solicitation or receipt of any contribution or expenditure of any personal funds used for the election. The form is filed with the Town Clerk.

Statement of Organization Recipient Committee (Form 410)

A candidate who raises contributions from others totaling $2,000 or more during a calendar year must file an original Form 410 with the Secretary of State to disclose campaign bank account information and to receive a campaign committee identification number. A copy of the form is filed with the Town Clerk.

Recipient Committee Campaign Statement (Form 460)

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 an election to office, will be required to file this form periodically prior to and following the election.

Campaign Statement – Short Form (Form 470)

Candidates who do not intend to raise or spend $2,000 in a calendar year in conjunction with their candidacy will file a Form 470 with the Town Clerk.

Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)

Candidates are required to file a Form 700 disclosing all reportable investments, interests in real property and income. Please be aware that all statements, and information submitted in conjunction with the statements, are a matter of public record and available for review by any requester.

• Register to vote online.
• Hard copies of the voter registration forms are available at Town Hall.