Candidate Filing Period for the 2026 General Election Begins July 13
Date

Eligible citizens interested in seeking office can file candidacy documents with the Registrar of Voters

SANTA ANA, Calif. – July 6, 2026 – Starting Monday, July 13, individuals interested in running for one of more than 150 Orange County school and special district governing body offices up for election in the 2026 General Election can begin the candidate filing process online or at the Registrar of Voters.

Eligible citizens are encouraged to visit ocvote.gov/candidates to download and complete their candidacy documents before filing them in person at the Registrar of Voters. Additional online resources include the ability to schedule a candidate filing appointment, a detailed Candidate Handbook, a Frequently Asked Questions section and a candidate filing log.

"With 159 offices across 59 school and special districts on the ballot, there are various meaningful opportunities for Orange County residents to seek elected office and shape the decisions that affect their communities," said Registrar Bob Page.

Registrar of Voters issues candidacy documents at its office located at 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building C, Santa Ana, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Candidates must file completed forms in person at this office no later than 5 p.m. Friday, August 7.

To view the full list of eligible offices for the 2026 General Election, visit ocvote.gov/elections/2026-general-election. For general qualifications to run and hold office, visit ocvote.gov/candidates/running-for-office-general-qualifications.

The two candidates who received the most votes during the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election in the contests for congressional, state, and 4th and 5th District county supervisor offices have been nominated for the General Election ballot.

For more information about the 2026 General Election or for candidate filing resources, visit ocvote.gov/candidates or call 714-567-7600.

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About the Registrar of Voters:
The Registrar of Voters is responsible for conducting elections in the County of Orange, the fifth largest voting jurisdiction in the United States with 1.9 million registered voters. We are a County agency, which receives funding from the County's General Fund and periodic reimbursement from the federal government, the State of California and local jurisdictions. Read more >>

Media Contacts:
Aimara Freeman
Public Information Officer
714-567-5197
[email protected]

Source:
Orange County Registrar of Voters

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the About Us page or call the Registrar of Voters media help line at 714-567-5197.