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HomeElections CodeDiv. 18Ch. 3§ 18204 Candidacy Paper Suppression Penalty

§ 18204 Candidacy Paper Suppression Penalty

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 18204 Candidacy Paper Suppression Penalty

This law says you can't hide or destroy any part of a nomination paper or a declaration of candidacy, whether it's before or after you file it.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must not hide or destroy any part of a nomination paper or declaration of candidacy.
  • •The rule applies both before the paper is filed and after it is filed.
  • •Breaking the rule can lead to a fine up to $1,000, jail time (16 months, 2 years, or 3 years), or both.

Example

A campaign worker throws away a candidate's nomination form to stop the candidate from being on the ballot.

Because the worker hid part of the nomination paper, they could be fined up to $1,000, sent to jail for up to 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, or both the fine and jail time.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 18204 Candidacy Paper Suppression Penalty

Any person who willfully suppresses all or any part of a nomination paper or declaration of candidacy either before or after filing is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16 months or two or three years or by both that fine and imprisonment. (Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 65. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

willfully suppressesnomination paperdeclaration of candidacy

Related Statutes

  • § 18202 Candidate Filing Violations
  • § 18203 False Candidate Filing Penalty
  • § 202 Military Candidate Filing Rights
  • § 18201 Nomination Paper Fraud Penalties
  • § 200 Candidate Oath Requirement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 18204.
View Official Source