U.S. Senator (CA-Sr.)

Description

Each of the 50 United States is represented by two United States Senators, and the 100 senators serve in the United States Senate, which along with the United States Congress comprise the entire federal legislative branch of U.S. Government. U.S. Senators are responsible for drafting and voting on federal laws for the United States. The work of preparing and considering legislation is done by standing committees, and in addition there are special committees as well as joint committees (committees with U.S. Representatives and Senators). The U.S. Senate has special duties including the responsibility to confirm major presidential appointments, including Supreme Court Justices. All U.S. treaties with other countries must be approved by a 2/3rds vote in the Senate, and U.S. Senators vote upon impeachment of elected officials, with a 2/3rds vote for impeachment resulting in the removal of office. Congressional bills, after having been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, must be signed by the president of the United States within 10 days of their submission, or they become law automatically, unless Congress is not in session. If vetoed by the president, a bill may become law only by its repassage by a two-thirds majority in each house. The Constitution requires a regular annual meeting of Congress, which begins on Jan. 3 each year. The proceedings of Congress are recorded in the Congressional Record, and U.S. Senators have offices in Washington D.C. and often in several locations in their home states to address concerns of the citizens they represent. The yearly salary for a United States Senator is $174,000.

Application Guidelines

To file for this position follow these three simple steps: 1) Contact the county clerk's office of your official residence to verify that you qualify for the position. All candidate filings for all California positions are handled by the county elections office of the candidate's official residence. You should also verify that you meet any other requirements (for example, living within the district for a specified amount of time prior to the election). Most county elections departments understand that first time candidates may have some additional questions or concerns, and they will answer questions when you are picking up your paperwork, or will allow you to schedule an appointment to speak with someone. 2) Obtain the appropriate filing papers from the county elections office and complete the paperwork required. If there is any difficulty in connecting with this office, contact the California Secretary of State's Elections Division at (916) 657-2166 or http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections to help obtain the correct contact information for your county elections department. 3) Submit the candidacy papers within the 113-88 day filing window prior to the election (most California elections use the 113-88 day filing window). After completing this paperwork and filing it with the county elections office of your residence you will then appear on the ballot for the statewide June "Top Two" election, where the top two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election; the eventual winner of the November election will be the candidate elected to the office. If you have any questions regarding running for this position, contact your county's elections office or the California Secretary of State Elections Division as soon as possible.

Submit application to:
CA Secretary of State-Elections, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, US