How to Run for Office

June 2, 2026 - Direct Primary Election
Period Start Date End Date
Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period December 11, 2025 February 4, 2026
Nomination Period February 9, 2026 March 6, 2026

Important Information

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

 

Steps to Become a Candidate: 

The following are standard Candidate Filing steps for a candidate to complete.

  1. Pick up Signature-in-Lieu of Filing Fee Petitions (Not required): The process of circulating petitions to obtain signatures to offset the Filing Fee. The Filing Fee may be partially or entirely offset by this process. The number of Signatures-in-Lieu required to offset a candidate’s Filing Fee is listed in the Candidate Guide. The petitions are public record.
  2. Candidate Authorization Form: If you are unable to obtain/file papers for yourself, you may authorize a representative to do so on your behalf. Fill out, sign, and have your representative bring in the Candidate Authoriztion Form with them when they pick up your paperwork.
  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 filing papers and discuss options with one of our candidate services representatives. Walk-ins are welcome, but there may be a long wait. Appointments are highly recommended.
  5. Prepare for Filing: After reviewing the qualifications, some items should be created or carefully thought through. Campaign Email, Ballot Designation, Campaign Finances, and Website.  Having these items taken care of before the initial appointment will expedite the process. Filing Fees must be paid at the time of pulling nomination papers.
  6. Plan your trip to Oakland: The Registrar of Voters' Office is located two blocks from Lake Merritt BART station. There are several parking lots located within a three block radius of our office, as well as plenty of metered street parking. For directions, please click here.
  7. Schedule Follow Up Appointment: The filing process is a fluid process and may require more than one filing 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.

Important Links