Official Voter Information Guide

Statewide Elective Office Descriptions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.