Advertising, Signage, and Electioneering
State regulations require committees to include disclaimers to most ads and communications including electronic media. Disclaimer requirements are based on the type of advertisement and who paid for it. For example, advertisements that are "online platform disclosed advertisements" have different disclosure requirements than electronic media that is not "online platform disclosed advertisements".
Details of the disclosures, types of communications, and mass mailings are described in the FPPC manuals and on the FPPC’s website.
Candidates will be asked to complete a Statement of Understanding / Temporary Political Signs to provide a primary point of contact for any concerns the County may have related to the placement and/or removal of temporary political signs regarding candidate contest. Before placing political signs make sure you know the state, county, and municipal rules.
County Code 22.28.030 & 22.28.060
- Signs are not allowed in unincorporated areas of Marin County, except on a residence or place of business with owner’s consent. Signs must not be placed more than 90 days prior to, or more than 10 days after an election.
- Signs are not allowed on County owned and maintained public property, right-of-way, medians, or any location that impairs pedestrian and vehicular safety.
Below is the contact information to inquire about municipal rules for posting signs within city limits.
| City / Town | Contact | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Belvedere | City Clerk | 415-435-8913 |
| Corte Madera | Town Clerk | 415-927-5085 |
| Fairfax | Principal Planner | 415-453-1584 |
| Larkspur | City Clerk | 415-927-5002 |
| Mill Valley | City Clerk | 415-388-4864 |
| Novato | City Clerk | 415-899-8986 |
| Ross | Town Clerk | 415-453-1453 x105 |
| San Anselmo | Town Clerk | 415-258-4660 |
| San Rafael | Public Works | 415-485-3355 |
| Sausalito | City Clerk | 415-289-4134 |
| Tiburon | Planning Department | 415-435-7390 |
For State rules about posting signs on state owned property, contact the Department of Transportation, Outdoor Advertising Program: 916-654-5327.
Candidates who wish to film a paid political commercial in or around the Civic Center should contact the Community Development Agency (CDA), 415-473-7875, for details and requirements. (County Code 5.36.010)
Candidates may take photographs or videos of themselves filing candidacy paperwork in the Elections Department as long as it does not disrupt business operations, including staff privacy. These photographs and videos cannot be used for solicitation of votes, support, or contributions, but can be used for personal media.
It is a misdemeanor to engage in electioneering, which includes any of the following within 100 feet ofthe entrance to a building where a vote center is located, an election office, or any locationthat a voter may cast or drop off a ballot: (Elec. Code §§ 319.5, 18370)
- Pass around petitions.
- Try to influence how a voter votes.
- Put up signs about voter qualifications.
- Talk to voters about their qualifications to vote.
- Photograph, film, or record a voter as s/he goes into or leaves a voting location.
- Disseminate visible or audible electioneering information.