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 June 2026
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This edition of CARS Stakeholder Bulletin highlights the changes to the sign-in prompt for the Filer Portal. Our On the Horizon section provides updates on project activities and milestones, as we prepare to go live. Getting Ready for Go-Live introduces a new webpage called CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Go Live to help filers prepare for the transition. Also discussed is how the new system handles correspondence. The Question of the Month explains how historical filing data can be accessed. Finally, a new section has been added to this newsletter called Your Voice in the CAL-ACCESS Transition, inviting readers to share their thoughts on what they are most excited about in the new system.
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The current CAL-ACCESS entry point for filers is called Cal-Online. This entry point provides separate sign-in prompts for campaign finance and lobbying activities. The current process requires users to sign into the system using a FilerID and password provided by a staff member from the Political Reform Division.
 When the new system goes live, filers will navigate from the Secretary of State website to the new CAL-ACCESS Filer Portal. In the new Filer Portal, filers will create individual user accounts and choose their own usernames and passwords. Everyone will enter through the same portal to report activity and connect with their associated filing entities. Specific details and training materials for this activity will be made available as the system go live date approaches.
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CARS Monthly External Stakeholder Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month to keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the CARS Project. At the meetings, questions are answered, project status is provided, and recently completed functionality is demonstrated. The next meeting is scheduled for June 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
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Program Increment 3 development is on track to complete testing and acceptance this summer. The new system continues to get closer to completion with functionality included for fees and fines, portals for filers, staff, and partners, user account management features, correspondence, report generation, and online help.
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Program Increment 4, the final development increment for the new CAL-ACCESS, is scheduled for approval on October 6. This increment delivers the public portal, including functionality for searching, viewing, exporting data, and managing reports.
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Third-Party Software Vendors serving the lobbying and campaign finance community are now conducting electronic interface testing of the application program interface (API) functions, nearly all of which are fully developed. Vendors participating in certification for the new CAL-ACCESS are completing user acceptance testing through July, followed by the formal certification process from August 10 through October 16. The project team meets with vendors twice monthly, on the second and fourth Tuesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The next meetings are June 9 and 23.
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A New Online Resource
A web page devoted to providing answers to FAQs, guidance on preparing for the changeover, and helpful links for support by email or phone has been developed and is located here: CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Go-Live Updates.
To prepare for the changeover, filers and stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Check contact information on file with the Political Reform Division is current
- Attend monthly External Stakeholder meetings
- Plan time to familiarize yourself with the new system before go-live
- Review training materials as they become available through links posted on this page
The new CAL-ACCESS system provides users with clear, timely communications through correspondence. Correspondence refers to formal communications directed to a specific filer, committee, or user. It may request action, communicate about compliance-related matters, or record official interactions.
Correspondence is stored as a PDF document in the user’s account for future reference. Users receive an email notification when new correspondence is available in their account dashboard.
The Annual Fee Notice is one example of a correspondence and is shown below.
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What happens to historical CAL-ACCESS filing data when CARS goes live?
All data from the previous CAL-ACCESS system is being migrated to the new system. Your current CAL-ACCESS records will remain accessible after the launch. The overall difference is in how data is accessed. Instead of navigating the current form-based structure, filers and the public will search and filter data through the new system’s interface using plain language descriptions of registrations and activity reporting.
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As the transition to the new CAL-ACCESS draws closer, the CARS Project team wants to hear from you. This is an opportunity to have your voice heard on any aspects of the system that matter most to you. We encourage you to take a few moments to provide your thoughts.
Click the link below to share what you are most looking forward to with the new system – for example, new capabilities, fixing or eliminating a workaround, certain reports, etc.
What are you most looking forward to with the new system?
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What would you like to see included in the next CARS Stakeholder Bulletin issue? Email PRDCARS@SOS.CA.GOV to provide your ideas and feedback.
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The CARS Project Monthly External Stakeholder Meeting Series (MS Teams), PowerPoint Presentations, Q&As, and FAQs may be found on the CARS Homepage.
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