Who to call for Election Violations or Fraud

In response to the many inquiries we receive regarding possible election violations or fraud, we have the following list of resources regarding whom to contact for the various types of violations.

The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department is NOT an enforcement agency and is therefore unable to investigate any violations. When our office receives reports of violations, we refer them to the agencies listed below:

  • False or misleading campaign materials (No agency enforcement. These issues are dealt with in court)
  • Violations of the Political Reform Act (Title 9 of the California Government Code at Sections 81000 through 91015), i.e. mass mailing requirements; slate mailers; campaign disclosure; proper use of campaign funds; disclosure of economic interests: contact the Fair Political Practices Commission at www.fppc.ca.gov, 866-275-3772
  • Election fraud: contact your local district attorney, 454-2400, or the California Secretary of State at www.sos.ca.gov, 916-657-2166
  • Unlawful use of public funds, violations of the Elections Code, the Penal Code, or any laws other than the Political Reform Act: contact your local district attorney, 454-2400, or the California State Attorney General at www.oag.ca.us, 800-952-5225
  • Federal campaigns, Congress, U.S. Senate, President of the United States, etc.: contact the Federal Election Commission at www.fec.gov, 800-424-9530
  • Open meeting laws (Brown Act): contact your local district attorney, 454-2400, or the California State Attorney General at www.oag.ca.us, 800-952-5225
  • Local ordinances: contact your local city attorney or district attorney, 454-2400
  • Vandalism or requirements concerning campaign signs: contact local city attorney or district attorney, 454-2400

See prior pages for additional agency contact information.  See below for information on contacting the county District Attorney.

Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office
701 Ocean St., Room 200
Santa Cruz, CA  95060
831-454-2400 | FAX: 831-454-2227 | TTY: 711
dao@co.santa-cruz.ca.us
datinternet.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/

or

275 Main St., Suite 202
Watsonville, CA  95076
831-454-2400 | FAX: 831-454-2227 | TTY: 711