(a) The regulatory purpose of this Chapter is to ensure the accurate designation of the candidate upon the ballot in order that an informed electorate may intelligently elect one of the candidates.

(b) The Secretary of State shall, at all times, apply and interpret the provisions of Elections Code § 13107 and the regulations included in this Chapter in a manner consistent with the regulatory purpose of this Chapter.

(c) Candidates are not required to use a ballot designation pursuant to Elections Code § 13107, subdivision (a), and may opt to leave the space for such a designation on the ballot blank. In order to notify the elections official as to whether he or she will use a ballot designation or will opt to leave the ballot designation space blank, the candidate must initial the appropriate box on the Declaration of Candidacy or otherwise so indicate on the Declaration of Candidacy.

(d) Pursuant to Elections Code § 13107, subdivision (a), a candidate may submit a proposed ballot designation pursuant to any one of the four provisions specified in Elections Code § 13107, subdivision (a), subparts (1) through (4), applicable to that candidate. The candidate shall be free to select from which of the applicable four subparts he or she is submitting his or her proposed ballot designation.

(e) The regulations set forth in this Chapter shall apply only to elections held for offices for which elections returns are certified by the Secretary of State of the State of California.

(f) Whenever, the word “should” is used in this Chapter, it is recommended, not mandatory.