2010 California Code
Elections Code
Article 1. General Intent

20400.  The Legislature declares that the purpose of this chapter is
to encourage every candidate for public office in this state to
subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
   It is the ultimate intent of the Legislature that every candidate
for public office in this state who subscribes to the Code of Fair
Campaign Practices will follow the basic principles of decency,
honesty, and fair play in order that, after vigorously contested, but
fairly conducted campaigns, the citizens of this state may exercise
their constitutional right to vote, free from dishonest and unethical
practices which tend to prevent the full and free expression of the
will of the voters.
   The purpose in creating the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is to
give voters guidelines in determining fair play and to encourage
candidates to discuss issues instead of untruths or distortions.