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Now that the Peace & Freedom Party is back on the ballot, we can run candidates for partisan office. Here is some information about how to run. Check it out -- to run in the November 2004 election, you may need to get started now. Taking out papers begins on September 26.
What offices can I run for as a Peace and Freedom Party Candidate?
In the next election cycle (primary election March 2004, general election November 2004) one U.S. Senate seat, 53 Congressional Districts, 20 State Senate (odd numbered) and 80 State Assembly seats will be up for election. You can also run to be on the Central Committee of the Peace and Freedom Party. The Central Committee is the elected body of grassroots activists from all over the state who democratically debate and decide how to run the Party.
What papers do I need to file to run for which offices (i.e. State Legislature, Congress, Central Committee)?
For most offices you will need to file a statement of intention to be a candidate (a 501 form), and a form for establishing a campaign account.
Do candidates pay a fee to run for office?
Most Peace and Freedom Party candidates avoid paying the filing fee by gathering signatures-in-lieu-of on petitions. For most offices you will the need signatures of ten percent of the Peace and Freedom Party registrants in the district in which you are running, or 150 signatures, whichever is fewer.
How do I find out various deadlines (i.e., deadline to take out papers, deadline to turn in signatures, deadlines for financial reports, etc.)?
The first day to take out papers and get in lieu of signature petitions to run for office in the March 2004 Primary election is Sept 26, 2003, a Friday. These must be filed by November 20. This and other deadlines are available on the Secretary of State's website: www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm.
What if I work during the day? Do I have to pick up and return the papers/ in lieu signatures myself, or can someone do it on my behalf?
Most counties will let others pick up and return your paperwork for you. Be sure to call the voter registrar's office in your county for instructions on what procedures to follow.
How can I find out the rules for reporting donations and campaign expenses?
The California Secretary of State website has some information, and the county registrar will have info about what forms to file by what dates.
How can I get help gathering signatures and running a campaign?
Contact the people on your local Peace and Freedom Central Committee, (contact numbers are in this publication). If your area doesn't have a Central Committee contact North State chair Tom Lacy (patty@igc.org, 415-437-5501) or South State chair Cindy Henderson (coz42001@hotmail.com, 323-759-9737). Also keep checking the P&F web sites, which will have links to the forthcoming Peace & Freedom 2004 elections website.
With this piece is a cartoon with a 2003 copyright notice by Gary Huck of UE. Titled "PAC Animal...", it shows a large donkey riding on the back of a worker. The donkey is saying, "if this isn't ironic enough, you should see how I actually vote on workers' issues!"
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