The Secretary of State’s Election Fraud Investigation Unit primarily investigates criminal violations of the California Elections Code, most of which are found in Division 18, Penal Provisions, sections 18000 through 18700. Below is a list of some of the common types of election-related complaints outside of the Secretary of State's jurisdiction that are NOT investigated.

1. Political Reform Act violations. Allegations of conflict of interest by public officials or complaints involving campaign contributions, gifts, statements, forms, disclosures or any other potential violation of the Political Reform Act (Government Code sections 81000 through 91014) should be directed to:

Fair Political Practices Commission
428 J Street, Suite 800
Sacramento, CA 95814
Toll free (866) 275-3772 or (916) 322-5660

OR

http://www.fppc.ca.gov/index.html?id=42

2. Proposition 218 related assessments. The passage of Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act in 1996 established new balloting procedures that allowed all property owners who would have to pay a proposed assessment to decide if it should be imposed. Examples are benefit or special assessments that fund street lights, sewers, sidewalks, levees and other improvements that benefit an assessed property. Ballots are weighted according to the amount each property owner will pay. Only those owning property in the district to be assessed are eligible to receive and cast ballots (instead of registered voters, many of whom do not own property and would not have to pay the assessment). Unlike ballots in registered voter elections, assessment ballots are public record and are subject to disclosure. For more information on the rules governing assessments, see Article XIIID of the California constitution and Government Code section 53753. Complaints about assessment proceedings can be made to the entity conducting ballot processing or to the superior court.

3. Los Angeles Neighborhood council elections. Complaints about problems with Neighborhood Council elections should be directed to:

General Manager
Los Angeles City
Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
334 – B East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

http://www.lacityneighborhoods.com/page2.cfm?doc=home

4. Homeowners association elections. These elections are bound by the terms set forth in the homeowners association covenants, conditions and restrictions and by the Davis-Stirling Act, found in California Civil Code sections 1363.03–1363.09. Association members that believe election procedures under this code have not been followed may bring a civil action in court. Under certain situations, HOA members can also complain to the California Attorney General’s office. For details, see:

http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/homeowner_assn.php

5. Theft/vandalism of campaign signs. This is typically a local issue and is not mentioned in the Elections Code. Some cities have specific ordinances that prohibit campaign sign theft/vandalism -- check with your local code enforcement department. Otherwise, sign theft/vandalism is treated as any other minor property crime and can be reported to your local police or sheriff's office.

Voter Complaint Form

Obtain a Voter Complaint Form for the purposes of filing a complaint regarding information about criminal violations of the California Elections Code.

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