Official Voter Information Guide

Statewide Elective Office Descriptions

U.S. Senator

  • One of two Senators who represent California's interests in the United States Senate.
  • Proposes and votes on new national laws.
  • Votes on confirming federal judges, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and many high-level presidential appointments to civilian and military positions.

Governor

  • As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies and appoints judges.
  • Proposes new laws and approves or vetoes legislation.
  • Prepares and submits the annual state budget.
  • Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.

Lieutenant Governor

  • Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal from office, or absence from the state.
  • Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote.
  • Chairs the Economic Development Commission, is a member of the State Lands Commission, and sits on the boards of the California university systems.

Secretary of State

  • As the state's chief elections officer, oversees statewide elections and provides public access to campaign and lobbying financial information.
  • Supports California business by registering and authenticating certain types of businesses and trademarks, regulating notaries public, and enabling secured creditors to protect their financial interests.
  • Preserves California's history by acquiring, safeguarding, and sharing the state's historical treasures.
  • Registers domestic partnerships and advance health care directives, and protects the identities of domestic violence victims and certain others entitled to confidential addresses.

Controller

  • As the state's chief fiscal officer, serves as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds.
  • Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws.
  • Serves on numerous boards and commissions including the Board of Equalization and the Board of Control.
  • Conducts audits and reviews of state operations.

Treasurer

  • As the state's banker, manages the state's investments.
  • Administers the sale of state bonds and notes, and is the investment officer for most state funds.
  • Chairs or serves on several commissions, most of which are related to the marketing of bonds.
  • Pays out state funds when spent by the Controller and other state agencies.

Attorney General

  • As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced.
  • Heads the Department of Justice, which is responsible for providing state legal services and support for local law enforcement.
  • Acts as the chief legal counsel in state litigation.
  • Oversees law enforcement agencies, including county district attorneys and sheriffs.

Insurance Commissioner

  • Oversees and directs all functions of the Department of Insurance.
  • Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies.
  • Answers public questions and complaints regarding the insurance industry.
  • Enforces California insurance laws and adopts regulations to implement the laws.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

  • As the state's chief public schools official, provides education policy and direction to local school districts.
  • Directs all functions of the Department of Education and executes policies set by the State Board of Education.
  • Serves as an ex-officio member of governing boards of the state's higher education system.
  • Works with the educational community to improve academic performance.

Member of the Board of Equalization

Serves on the Board of Equalization, the state's elected tax commission, which:

  • Oversees the administration of over two dozen tax and fee programs including those for sales and use, cigarette and tobacco, alcohol and fuels.
  • Serves as the appellate body for California income and franchise tax cases.
  • Oversees the administration of property tax statewide.