14th Congressional Special Primary Election Important Dates
Period Start Date End Date
Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period April 14, 2026 April 17, 2026
Nomination Period April 17, 2026 April 23, 2026

Important Information

What can I start now?

Signature-in-Lieu of the Filing Fee Petition

The Signature-in-Lieu-of-Filing-Fee Petition will be available on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 

The following offices may retrieve Signature-in-Lieu Petitions:

  • United States Representative - $1,740.00 Filling Fee

Candidates or their authorized representatives will be required to verify their voter registration when picking up Signature-in-Lieu Petitions.

Visit the California Secretary of State’s website for more information on State offices.

 

The Filing Fee must be paid at the time of pulling Nomination Papers. No Exceptions.

 

Steps to Become a Candidate: 

Below are the standard steps for the Candidate Filing process:

1. Pick Up Signature-in-Lieu of Filing Fee Petitions (Optional)

You may circulate Signature-in-Lieu Petitions to collect signatures that partially or fully offset the Filing Fee. The number of required signatures is listed in the Candidate Guide. All petitions are public record.

2. Candidate Authorization Form

If you cannot pick up or file your paperwork yourself, you may authorize a representative to do so. Complete and sign the Candidate Authorization Form, and ensure your representative brings it with them when retrieving your documents.

3. Candidate Statements

Click here to download the Alameda County Candidate Statement Rules and Agreement Form.

4. Candidate Filing Appointments

Schedule an appointment to receive your filing papers and review your options with a candidate services representative. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times may be long. Appointments are strongly recommended.

5. Prepare for Filing

Before your initial appointment, review the qualifications and prepare the following items to expedite the process:

  • Campaign email

  • Ballot designation

  • Campaign finance planning

  • Campaign website

The Filing Fee must be paid when Nomination Papers are issued.

6. Plan Your Trip to Oakland

The Registrar of Voters’ Office is located two blocks from the Lake Merritt BART station. Several parking lots are within a three-block radius, and ample metered street parking is available. Click here for directions.

7. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment

Candidate filing is a multi-step process and may require more than one appointment.

 

If at any time you have any questions, please feel free to contact Candidate Services at candidate.services@acgov.org or call (510) 272-6960.

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