Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not specify an effective date, only that the bill was chaptered on October 3, 2025.
AB-1511: Updates to Campaign Rules and Voter Guides
This law updates names for voter guides in campaign rules, changes when candidates must return money raised before a primary election, and fixes a reference to federal law.
What This Bill Does
- Changes the Political Reform Act of 1974 to use 'state voter information guide' instead of 'ballot pamphlet'.
- Updates rules so they refer to 'county voter information guide' instead of 'sample ballot'.
- Allows candidates whose names are not on a primary election ballot and who do not qualify for write-in votes to keep money raised for the general election.
- Permits these candidates to transfer their funds to another campaign committee without refunding donors.
- Corrects an incorrect reference to federal law within the act.
Who It Names or Affects
- Candidates running for state, county, or city offices who raise money before a primary election.
- The Secretary of State and county elections officials responsible for voter guides.
- Donors who gave contributions that might otherwise need to be refunded.
Terms To Know
- Political Reform Act of 1974
- A state law that sets rules for campaign money and elections in California.
- Voter Information Guide
- An official booklet prepared by the Secretary of State or county officials containing information on candidates, measures, and a copy of the ballot.
- Write-in votes
- Votes cast for a candidate whose name does not appear printed on the ballot paper.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only applies if a candidate's name is missing from the primary ballot and they do not qualify to receive write-in votes.
- Candidates must still follow specific rules when transferring funds to another committee instead of refunding them.