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Campaign Finance

Berkeley candidates and campaign committees need to file reports of their contributions and expenses following both state and local laws. These reports are accessible to the public online.

Raising and spending money in a Berkeley election

If you raise or spend more than $1,000 on your campaign, you are required to open a campaign committee and file disclosure reports detailing the campaign’s contributions and expenditures. These reports are available to the public online so that voters can access information about money involved in local elections. Review the campaign statement filing schedule for important filing deadlines. 

In addition to the disclosure and filing requirements of State of California law, Berkeley has local election laws that you must follow. Known as “BERA”, the Berkeley Election Reform Act applies to candidates running for office, and to anyone raising or spending money in Berkeley elections. The local filing manual is a useful tool for local campaign committees. A commission of Berkeley residents, the Fair Campaign Practices Commission (FCPC), is tasked with enforcing the requirements in BERA. 

Berkeley campaign committees have filing requirements related to mass mailers. Please visit the Mass Mailings page for details. Regulations and resources for campaign committees are provided in the related documents section below.

Public financing for Berkeley candidates

Candidates running for Berkeley offices can receive matching funds from the City to finance their campaign. You can receive a 6-to-1 match on donations to your campaign, up to $60 (e.g., if someone donates $60, you can receive $360 in public matching funds). Learn more about how to participate in the Public Financing Program Guide. View matching funds disbursed in the 2024 election cycle by clicking on the Public Finance Matching Funds Report. The report is updated weekly.

File reports In NetFile

Committees that raise or spend $1,000 or more must file their reports electronically using NetFile. Click on the filer access portal to get started. For support with using NetFile, read the Instructions for Filing Campaign Statements Electronically. You can also contact the City Clerk Department to request a training by calling (510) 981-6908 or sending an e-mail to elections@berkeleyca.gov.

Where to view reports

Anyone can view campaign reports online on NetFile. Click the public access portal to get started.

Related Documents

Document
  • BERA Filing Schedule 2024 (74 KB)
Document
  • FCPC Campaign Filing Manual 2024 (556.52 KB)
Document
  • Fair Campaign Practices Commission Regulations (377.21 KB)
Document
  • Instructions for Filing Campaign Statements Electronically (2.36 MB)
Document
  • Public Financing Program Manual 2024 (2.83 MB)
In this section
Elections
  • Candidate Information
  • Local Petition Guidelines and Regulations
  • Campaign Finance
  • Mass Mailings
  • Ballot Measures
  • Voting Information

News

ballot drop box in front of Berkeley Public Library West Branch, 1125 University Ave

For November 8 election, vote by mail, drop box, or at voting centers, Oct 2022

Person putting voting ballot in official drop-box

With Nov. 8 election approaching, find official information on candidates, measures

Old city hall

Register to vote by October 24 to vote in the November 8 election, Sept 2022

Front of 2180 Milvia Street

Check your City Council district as it may have changed after redistricting, August 2022

More News
Elections Official
Email: elections@cityofberkeley.info
Phone: (510) 981-6908, TDD: (510) 981-6903, FAX: (510) 981-6901

Related BMC

  • Berkeley Election Reform Act

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