Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 2.10 Voluntary Expenditures Limits for Candidates Seeking Elective Office

The provisions of this section are enacted pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 85400 (c), effective January 1, 1997, allowing a municipality to establish voluntary expenditure limits for candidates and controlled committees of such candidates for elective City office for each election in the city. (Ord. 9706 § 1 (part), 1997)

The expenditure limit is established at one dollar per resident of the city. All candidates and controlled committees of such candidates that seek an elective office in the city must file the appropriate form as provided by the fair political practices commission, designating either an acceptance or rejection of the voluntary expenditure limit, with the city clerk or other designated filing official. Acceptance or rejection of the voluntary limit must occur before the candidate may accept any contributions. (Ord. 9706 § 1 (part), 1997)

Candidates complying with voluntary expenditure limits are allowed to accept higher contribution amounts as provided by Proposition 208 and established in Government Code Sections 85301 and 85402.

Complying candidates are provided a statement in the ballot pamphlet sent to voters, and a designation on the ballot indicating the candidate has agreed to the expenditure limit.

Should a noncomplying candidate raise or spend seventy-five (75) percent of the expenditure limit, the voluntary expenditure limit triples for other candidates in the same race and complying candidates may receive unlimited contributions from a political party. (Ord. 9706 § 1 (part), 1997)