FPPC’s Proactive Pre-Election Outreach Efforts Help Bring Campaigns into Compliance Ahead of November 3 General Election

For Immediate Release: 
November 2, 2026

Media Contact: 
press@fppc.ca.gov

The Commission's outreach and enforcement efforts brought 199 additional filers into compliance, increasing transparency in campaign finance for California voters.

SACRAMENTO, CA— As Californians prepare to cast their ballots in the November 3 election, the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is highlighting the success of its proactive Pre-election Outreach Program, helping ensure voters have timely access to important campaign finance information before heading to the polls.

Weeks ago, FPPC's Education & External Affairs Unit began its proactive Pre-Election Outreach Program by contacting city and county clerks to identify candidates and committees who had not yet filed their pre-election campaign statements for the November election. Through the program, the FPPC worked with these local election officials to identify missing pre-election campaign finance statements to resolve potential reporting violations prior to Election Day and increase transparency for voters.

This election cycle, the FPPC's Education & External Affairs Unit received 205 referrals from filing officials throughout the state through this program. Through outreach, education, and compliance assistance, staff resolved 97% of those referrals.

FPPC's Education & External Affairs Unit forwarded the remaining 19 referrals to the Enforcement Division for further action.  Of those, 15 filers have since come into compliance following Enforcement's involvement, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Commission's coordinated approach to timely campaign finance disclosure. FPPC staff continues to seek compliance from the remaining candidates.

"California voters deserve to know who is funding political campaigns and how that money is being spent before they cast their ballots," said FPPC Chair Adam E. Silver. "Our proactive pre-election efforts reflect the Commission's commitment to enhancing transparency by working directly with candidates, local election officials, and campaign treasurers to ensure required financial disclosures are available when voters need them most. I want to recognize the dedicated work of our team, whose collaborative efforts help protect the public's right to know."

The FPPC's proactive Pre-election Outreach Program is designed to identify and address potential filing deficiencies before an election, rather than waiting until after Election Day to pursue compliance.

In partnership with city and county clerks, the Commission identifies candidates and committees that may have missed required pre-election campaign statements. FPPC staff then contact filers to explain disclosure obligations, provide assistance, and encourage prompt compliance.

Throughout the outreach process, candidates, campaign treasurers, and filing officers are encouraged to participate in webinars and training opportunities offered by its Education & External Affairs Unit. If initial outreach does not achieve compliance, cases may be referred to the Enforcement Division for further review and action.

"Our goal is to achieve compliance as quickly as possible so the public has access to the information required under California law," said FPPC Executive Director Galena West. "By combining education, direct outreach, and enforcement when necessary, we can address potential violations early, assist filers in understanding their responsibilities, and help ensure campaign finance information is available to voters before Election Day."

The Commission's proactive pre-election efforts are part of its mission to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in California's political process.

The FPPC encourages candidates, committees, and campaign treasurers to review their filing obligations and ensure all required campaign finance statements are submitted to the appropriate filing officers.

The mission of the Fair Political Practices Commission is to promote the integrity of state and local government in California through fair, impartial interpretation and enforcement of political campaign, lobbying and conflict of interest laws.