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HomeElections CodeDiv. 5Ch. 1§ 5001 New Party Formation Rules

§ 5001 New Party Formation Rules

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5001 New Party Formation Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •A group of people can create a new political party if they follow the rules in Sections 5100 or 5151.
  • •They must hold a meeting to pick temporary leaders and choose a party name that isn’t too similar to any existing party.
  • •They have to tell the Secretary of State about their new party, including the names of their temporary leaders and which rule (Section 5100 or 5151) they’re following.

Example

A group of people want to start a new political party called the 'Green Future Party'.

They hold a meeting to pick temporary leaders and make sure the name isn’t too close to another party’s name, like the 'Green Party'. Then, they send a notice to the Secretary of State with the leaders’ names and say they’re following the rules in Section 5100.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5001 New Party Formation Rules

Whenever a group of electors desires to qualify a new political party meeting the requirements of Section 5100 or 5151, that group shall form a political body by: (a) Holding a caucus or convention at which temporary officers shall be elected and a party name designated. The designated name shall not be so similar to the name of an existing party so as to mislead the voters, and shall not conflict with that of any existing party or political body that has previously filed notice pursuant to subdivision (b). (b) Filing formal notice with the Secretary of State that the political body has organized, elected temporary officers, and declared an intent to qualify a political party pursuant to either Section 5100 or 5151, but not both. The notice shall include the names and addresses of the temporary officers of the political body. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 71, Sec. 50. (SB 1304) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

political bodytemporary officersSecretary of StateSection 5100Section 5151

Related Statutes

  • § 5002 Political Party Qualification Notice
  • § 5003 Political Party Registration Count
  • § 5005 New Party Temporary Procedures
  • § 5006 New Party Primary Procedures
  • § 11 Election Officials Uniformity Meetings

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 5001.
View Official Source