FAQs for Candidates

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  • What is the Top-Two Primary Election?
    • In June 2010, California voters approved a change to the election process for congressional, statewide and state legislative contests.
    • Previously we voted for candidates from political parties and the top vote-getter from each of the parties advanced to the general election.
    • Under the new law, the two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
    • All voters may select any candidate in a primary election regardless of the voter's or candidate's party preference.
    • Now the top two candidates run against each other in the general election even if they are from the same political party.
  • How do I verify which district I live in?

    Please use the following tool: Elected Representatives Information Lookup

    If you have requested confidential voter status under Assembly Bill No. 1392 , please call our office directly at (858) 565-5800 for help with checking your registration, making updates, tracking your ballot, or finding out about voting options.

  • Which offices will be up for election on November 3, 2026?

    Top-Two Elections For:

    • Governor
    • Lt. Governor
    • Secretary of State
    • Controller
    • Treasurer
    • Attorney General
    • Insurance Commissioner
    • Supt. of Public Instruction
    • Board of Equalization – District 4
    • Representatives in Congress – Districts 48-52
    • State Senate – Districts 18, 32, 38 & 40
    • State Assembly – Districts 74-80
    • County Board of Supervisors – Districts 4 & 5
    • Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
    • Treasurer/Tax Collector
    • County Board of Education – Districts 3 & 5
    • Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College – Trustee Area 5
    • San Diego Community College – Districts A & C 
    • San Diego Unified School – Districts B & C

     

    Top-two Election for the Following Cities:

    For more information, please contact the respective City Clerk.

    • Chula Vista – Mayor, Council Districts 1 & 2
    • San Diego – Council Districts 2, 4, 6 & 8

     

    Board Member Elections For:

    • School Districts
    • Special Districts
      • Community Planning Groups
      • Community Services
      • Fire Protection
      • Healthcare
      • Irrigation
      • Public Utility
      • Water

     

    General Municipal Election for the Following Cities:

    For more information, please contact the respective City Clerk.

    • Carlsbad
    • Lemon Grove
    • Coronado
    • National City
    • Del Mar
    • Oceanside
    • El Cajon
    • Poway
    • Encinitas
    • San Marcos
    • Escondido
    • Santee
    • Imperial Beach
    • Solana Beach
    • La Mesa
    • Vista
  • When can I run for office?

    The candidate filing period runs from July 13, 2026, through August 7, 2026. Candidate forms are only available during this period, and all forms need to be filled out and submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.

  • What are the office hours?

    The Registrar of Voters office will be open between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. 

  • Can someone else pick up my paperwork for me?

    Yes, but an Authorization Form will be required. The Authorization Form must have your original signature. Scanned or faxed copies are not acceptable. If the authorized person is also filing your nomination documents, the Declaration of Candidacy must be notarized. Please see: November 3, 2026, General Election Authorization Form.

  • How long will it take to complete documents?

    It should take around 50 minutes to complete everything if you do it at our office. You also have the option to pick up the documents from our office and return them once they are completely filled out. The time it takes to process your documents may vary depending on how accurately you fill out the forms. To prevent any delays, we recommend submitting your documents as early as possible. Please note that during busy days, specifically July 13, 2026, and August 7, 2026, you might experience a wait of up to 3 hours.

  • Can I send my official candidate filing papers by fax or email?

    No. The Registrar of Voters office requires original signed forms.

  • How much are filing fees?

    There are no filing fees for the November 3, 2026, General Election.

  • Are there any other fees that I should know about?

    Yes. You have the option to submit a Candidate Statement of Qualifications to appear in the Voter Information Pamphlet. Please refer to the Candidate Filing Guide for more information.

  • Can I pay the fees with a credit card?

    Yes, but there will be an additional 2.19% charge. 

  • Can I update my submitted Candidate Statement?

    No, it cannot be changed after submitting it unless a court orders otherwise. However, a Candidate Statement can be withdrawn before the 5:00 pm deadline on Friday, August 7, 2026.

  • Can I decide not to run for office after I have submitted my nomination papers?

    A candidate running for a school, community college or special district may not withdraw their Declaration of Candidacy after 5 p.m. on the 88th day prior to the election (Friday, August 7, 2026).

  • What are the financial disclosure regulations?

    Please see: Campaign Financial Disclosure or call (858) 505-7260 for more information.

  • I have more questions—how do I contact you?

    You may visit, email, or call our office: 

    Physical Address: 5600 Overland Ave., Ste.100, San Diego, CA 92123

    Candidate Filing (858) 505-7260   Email: CandidateFiling@sdcounty.ca.gov

    Financial/Campaign Disclosure (858) 505-7260 Email: CandidateFiling@sdcounty.ca.gov

    Maps (858) 505-7389

    Voter Registration (858) 565-5800 

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