How to Run for Office

June 2, 2026 - Direct Primary Election
Period Start Date End Date
Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period December 19, 2025 February 4, 2026
Judicial Intention Period January 26, 2026 February 4, 2026
Nomination Period February 9, 2026 March 6, 2026

Important Information

What can I start now?

Signature-in-Lieu of the Filing Fee Petition

The Signature-in-Lieu of the Filing Fee Petition will be available on Friday, December 19, 2025. There are no appointments available for this process. Walk-ins only.

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

  • Governor
  • Lieutenant Governor
  • Secretary of State
  • Controller
  • Treasurer
  • Attorney General
  • Insurance Commissioner
  • Member, State Board of Equalization
  • State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • United States Representative
  • State Senator
  • Member of the State Assembly
  • County Superior Court Judge
  • County District Attorney
  • County Superintendent of Schools
  • County Board of Supervisors
  • County Board of Education

Candidates, or authorized representatives of candidates, 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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