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HomeElections CodeDiv. 6Pt. 1Ch. 1Art. 3§ 6041 Presidential Primary Candidate Selection

§ 6041 Presidential Primary Candidate Selection

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

§ 6041 Presidential Primary Candidate Selection

Key Takeaways

  • •The Secretary of State decides who gets on the presidential primary ballot for the Democratic Party.
  • •They pick candidates who are well-known and actively trying to become the Democratic nominee for President.
  • •One way to get on the ballot is by qualifying for federal campaign funding.
  • •The list of chosen candidates must be shared with the public and news outlets at least 88 days before the election.

Example

A person wants to run for President in the Democratic primary.

If this person is well-known across the country and meets the rules, like getting federal campaign money, the Secretary of State will put their name on the ballot. Then, everyone will know who they can vote for at least 88 days before the election.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 6041 Presidential Primary Candidate Selection

The Secretary of State shall place the name of a candidate upon the presidential primary ballot when the Secretary of State has determined that the candidate is generally advocated for or recognized throughout the United States or California as actively seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for President of the United States. The Secretary of State shall include as criteria for selecting candidates the fact of qualifying for funding under the Federal Elections Campaign Act of 1974, as amended. On or before the 88th day preceding a presidential primary election, the Secretary of State shall publicly announce and distribute to the news media for publication a list of the selected candidates that the Secretary of State intends to place on the ballot at the following presidential primary election. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 149, Sec. 5. (SB 505) Effective July 30, 2019.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

presidential primary ballotDemocratic PartyFederal Elections Campaign Act of 197488th day preceding a presidential primary election

Related Statutes

  • § 6040 Presidential Primary Candidate Designation
  • § 6061 Presidential Primary Ballot Access
  • § 6108 Presidential Primary Nomination Form
  • § 6240 Presidential Primary Write-In Space
  • § 11040 Petition Section Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 6041.
View Official Source