Candidates and Campaigns

The Public Ethics Commission makes sure people follow campaign rules. It also handles the official paperwork for campaign statements and educates candidates and groups about the local rules they need to follow.

Find important information about how much money can be given to campaigns, campaign rules, tools for candidates, advertising guidelines, and other useful tips for running a campaign.

The Commission publishes educational materials and comprehensive guides to the Oakland Campaign Reform Act and Limited Public Financing Act to assist you in complying with local law.

On demand training provides an overview of the California Political Reform Act and Oakland Campaign Reform Act provisions for candidates and campaign treasurers, as well as Oakland's Limited Public Financing program for District Council candidates.

Campaign Reform Act
Local campaign rules seeking to reduce the influence of large donors on elections

Fair Elections Act(PDF, 5MB)
Provides public funding for Oakland candidates to expand participation in elections

False Endorsement in Campaign Literature
Prohibits falsehoods knowingly made in campaign literature