Elections in California

The number of elections in California varies by year. California has a gubernatorial election every four years and, in 2003, it had a recall election. Primary elections are held in March or June and general elections are held in November. Elections covering state-wide issues are called general elections. On a county-by-county basis, elections also cover municipal issues. In addition, a special election can occur at any time.

2010 elections

• June 8, 2010: California gubernatorial primary election
• November 2,2010: California gubernatorial general election

2006 elections

• November 7, 2006: United States Senate election
• June 6, 2006: primary election and 50th congressional district special election
• April 11, 2006: special primary election for 50th congressional district

2005 elections

• December 6, 2005: 48th congressional district special election
• November 8, 2005: 2005 statewide special election
• October 4, 2005: special primary election for 48th congressional district
• September 13, 2005: 53rd assembly district special election
• March 8, 2005: special election

2004 elections

• November 2, 2004: general election
• March 7, 2004: presidential primary election

2003 edlections

• October 7, 2003: special California gubernatorial recall election

Past elections

• List of California ballot propositions

Political parties

There are six qualified political parties:

• American Independent Party
• Democratic Party (see also California Democratic Party)
• Green Party (see also Green Party of California)
• Libertarian Party
• Peace and Freedom Party
• Republican Party

Due to the first-past-the-post electoral system used in California, only the Democratic Party and Republican Party currently have representation in the State Legislature. However, Audie Bock, a member of the Green Party, was elected in 1999 under what some call special election musical chairs.

Five parties are attempting to qualify for the June 2008 Primary Election: Equal Justice Party, Superhappy Party, Working Families Party, Reform Party, and the God, Truth and Love Party.

In addition, there are 26 non-qualified parties: American Party, Berkeley Defense Group Party, Black Panther Party, Californians for an Alternative in November Party, Christian Nationalist Party, Citizen's Party, Communist Party, Constitution Party, Freedom and Peace Party, Independent Progressive Party, La Raza Unida Party, Liberty Party, Looking Back Party, National Socialist Movement, National Socialist White People's Party, New Alliance Party, People's Party, Populist Party of America, Progressive Party, Prohibition Party, Reform Party, Socialist Party, Socialist Labor Party, Socialist Workers Party, Universal Party, and Workers World Party.

Local elections in California at the county and city level are officially non-partisan and political party affiliations are not included on local election ballots.

References

• California Secretary of State - On-Line Lists of Candidates
• JoinCalifornia - California Election Statistics

See also

• Politics of California
• Government of California
• List of California Governors
• U.S. Congressional Delegations from California
• List of California ballot propositions
• Elections in the United States

Political parties

• California Democratic Party
• Green Party of California
• Libertarian Party of California
• California Republican Party

External links

• California Secretary of State - Official Voter Information Guide
• One Voter Project - California Election Statistics
• California Voter Foundation - Elections Information
• Sacramento Area Voter Guide - Voter Guide Covering Local Sacramento Races