Candidate Filing Period for the November 3, 2026 General Election Begins July 13

Author: Erin Clausen
Date: 7/1/2026 3:07 PM

The period for filing to run as a candidate in the November 3, 2026, General Election begins Monday, July 13 and runs though August 7. The filing period will be extended by 5 days for any office for which the incumbent does not file.

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office is reminding prospective candidates that the filing period for the November 3, 2026 General Election begins Monday, July 13, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The General Election includes offices for candidates advancing from the Primary Election as well as numerous school board, community services district, and special district offices throughout San Luis Obispo County. Residents interested in serving their communities are encouraged to review available offices and begin the filing process early.

All prospective candidates must schedule an appointment before nomination documents can be issued.

To schedule a candidate filing appointment, call the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office at (805) 781-5228. When scheduling, candidates should be prepared to provide the information requested by staff; details about this are available in the Candidate Filing Guidelines. After an appointment is made, candidates will receive a packet of forms by email to complete and bring to their scheduled appointment.

Additional Filing Information

• Runoff candidates: New nomination documents are not required unless candidate information has changed. Candidates who wish to have a Candidate Statement of Qualifications included in the General Election Voter Information Guide must resubmit their statement and printing deposit. The statement may be different from the one submitted for the Primary Election.
• Extension period: If an eligible incumbent does not file by the August 7 deadline, the filing period for that office is extended until 5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2026 (the extension does not apply to the incumbent).
• Write-in candidates: The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on October 20, 2026.

Candidate filing for city offices is administered by each city's clerk. Individuals interested in running for a city office should contact the appropriate city clerk for filing information and requirements.

City Clerk contacts: