Important Dates for the November 3, 2026 General Election Note: these dates are provided for informational purposes only and are not legal advice nor intended to be a substitute for the actual regulation, statute or law cited. The complete calendar can be found here:
https://smcacre.gov/elections/november-3-2026-election-calendar
Date Description Code Reference
June 29 – July 13 City Notice of Election
Between these dates, a city shall publish its Notice of Election, stating the offices to be filled and the time of the election.
EC §§12101, 12111; GC
§6061
July 13 – August 7
(5:00 p.m.)
Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Candidate Filing
Period. Nomination Documents (Declaration of
Candidacy and Nomination Papers) are available
during this time. Paperwork must be filed by the close
of business on the 88th day before the election. City
candidates shall file paperwork with the City Clerk’s
office and should check the business hours of their
City Clerk’s office; all other candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by 5 p.m. on the 88th
day before the election. City council candidates are
permitted to withdraw their candidacy by filing a
statement of withdrawal no later than 5 p.m. on
the 88th day before the election.
EC §§10220, 10224,
10407(a), 10510, 10603,
13107
August 7 Election Consolidation Deadline
Last day for a local entity to deliver a resolution
requesting election services and consolidation from
the County Board of Supervisors for the election. A
copy of the resolution of the governing board
requesting the consolidation shall be submitted to the
County Elections Official. A copy of the exact form of
the question, proposition, or office to appear on the
ballot must also be submitted.
EC §§1405, 10002, 10403(a)-
(b), 12001
August 8 – August 12
(5:00 p.m.)
Extended Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Extended Candidate
Filing Period. If an eligible incumbent does not file
Nomination Documents (Declaration of Candidacy
and Nomination Papers) or if nomination papers are
filed but then withdrawn by the 88th day before the
election, the filing period is extended for that office for five calendar days until the 83rd day before the
election, for any person other than the
incumbent. City candidates shall file paperwork with
their City Clerk’s office and should check the
business hours of their City Clerk’s office; all other
candidates shall file with the County Elections Official by the 83rd day before the election. This section is
EC §§10225, 10407(b),
10516, 10604
not applicable for this election, as there is no
incumbent eligible to be elected due to these
being new District City Council member seats.
On or before
October 29
City Clerk publishes/posts list of “Nominees for Public Office” in the order that candidates will appear on the ballot, and a notice of “Measure to be Voted On”, if
applicable.
§12110, §12111
September 7 –
October 20
Write-in Candidate Filing Period
Between these dates is the Candidate Filing Period
for write-in candidates. Write-in candidates must file
a statement of write-in candidacy and other required
documentation with the County Elections Official. City
candidates must file their paperwork with their City
Clerk's office and should check the business hours of
their City Clerk's office.
EC §§8600-06
September 24 First Pre-Election Statement Due
First pre-election campaign committee statement for
candidates and committees is due for the reporting
period below (ending 45 days before the election) or
the day after the closing date of the last statement
filed.
Reporting Period: July 1, 2026 - September 19, 2026
GC §§84200.5, 84200.8(a)
Fair Political Practices
Commission (FPPC)
Form 460 or 470
October 5 Mailing of Vote by Mail Ballots
No later than this date, the County Elections Official
shall begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots to all
registered voters in the county.
EC §4005(a)(8)(A)
October 19 Voter Registration Deadline
Voter registration closes on this date for the
election. Voters must register by this date to be
eligible to vote non-provisionally in this election. Voter registration forms postmarked prior to or on this date
are accepted.
EC §2102
October 22 Second Pre-Election Statement Due
Second pre-election campaign committee statement
for candidates and committees is due for the
reporting period below (ending 17 days before the
election) or the day after the closing date of the last statement filed.
Reporting Period: September 20, 2026 - October 17,
2026
GC §§84200.5, 84200.8
FPPC Form 460
November 3 Election Day
All Vote Centers open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Semifinal
official canvass commences upon the closing of all
polls at 8 p.m.
EC §§1000, 4005, 14212,
15150-51
December 3 County Election Certification
Last day for County Elections Official to certify
election results to the jurisdictions participating in the election.
§15372
At the December 7,
2026 Regular City
Council meeting
Adopt resolution certifying election results; Install
newly elected Councilmembers; and elect new Mayor
and Vice Mayor.
§10263