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HomeElections CodeDiv. 20Ch. 2Art. 1§ 20100 Corporate Name Political Consent

§ 20100 Corporate Name Political Consent

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

§ 20100 Corporate Name Political Consent

This law blocks companies from using a person's name in their corporate name if it suggests the person is running for office, unless that person signs a consent form first.

Key Takeaways

  • •A corporation cannot use a person's name if it implies a political candidacy or office title.
  • •The person must provide a signed consent statement before the Secretary will accept the filing.
  • •The rule covers any part of a name, office title, election date, or words indicating candidacy.

Example

A candidate for city council wants to incorporate a business called "Jane Doe for City Council". The Secretary of State will not file the paperwork until Jane signs a consent statement allowing her name to be used.

Because the corporation name includes the candidate's name and words that show she is running for office, the law requires her written permission before the Secretary can accept the articles of incorporation.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 20100 Corporate Name Political Consent

If the name of a corporation includes all or part of the name of any person, together with either (a) all or part of the title of any elective office, (b) the date (by year or otherwise) of the election for any office, or (c) any other words or figures indicating the candidacy or nomination of that person for elective office, the Secretary of State shall not accept its articles of incorporation for filing unless there is first filed with him or her a statement signed and acknowledged by that person consenting to the use of his or her name. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

articles of incorporationelective officecandidacy or nominationSecretary of State

Related Statutes

  • § 2105 Voter Registration Outreach Programs
  • § 2105.5 Voting Rights For Ex-Offenders
  • § 6300 Republican Presidential Primary Delegates
  • § 7550 State Convention Delegates
  • § 10200 Election Validity Standards

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 20100.
View Official Source