General Election Important Dates
Period Start Date End Date
Nomination Period July 13, 2026 August 7, 2026

Important Information

What can I start now?

Schedule a filing appointment

Nomination Filing Appointments will be available for booking in June 2026. 

Candidates or their authorized representatives will be required to verify their voter registration when picking up nomination papers.

 

Steps to Become a Candidate: 

Below are the standard steps for the Candidate Filing process:

1. Pick Up Nomination Papers

The following papers will be issued: 

  • Nomination Petitions (if applicable)
  • Permission to Post
  • Candidate Statement Rules and Agreement Form
  • Ballot Designation Worksheet
  • Declaration of Candidacy
  • Character-based Name Form
  • Confidential Status Form
  • FPPC Forms

 

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

 

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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