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Candidate Guidelines

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Candidate Guidelines

Home Candidates Candidate Guidelines

Candidate Guidelines for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election

Summary of Qualifications and Requirements for Federal/State Offices

The Secretary of State provides the summary of qualifications and requirements for federal and state offices: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026/qualifications

The state’s complete primary election calendar is available here: https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/primary-election-calendar.pdf 

For further information, contact the California Secretary of State Elections Division:

File For Office

The Signatures In-Lieu of Filing Fee (optional) period for state, county, and judicial candidates is December 19 – February 4. Signatures collected may cover all, or a portion, of the filing fee and will be applied towards the nomination signatures. 

The Declaration of Intention period for judicial offices is January 26 – February 4. 

The Nomination/Declaration of Candidacy filing period is February 9 – March 6.  Candidate forms will only be available during this time and must be completed and submitted within this timeframe. Candidate statement of qualifications will be due at the time of filing.

Candidate Filing Appointments Required

All candidates running for office must schedule an appointment to file. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at:

Monterey County Elections Department
1441 Schilling Place – North Building
Salinas, CA 93901

Call to schedule your appointment. We are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone or email:

Candidate Statement Form

If you are filing for an office in a county other than Monterey County, you can file your Candidate Statement of Qualifications by completing the Candidate Statement Form.

The form can be sent by email to CandidateServices@countyofmonterey.gov. A signed hardcopy must be transmitted in person or via mail to Monterey County Elections within 72 hours of filing the Candidate Statement Form electronically. Hardcopies may be mailed to:

Monterey County Elections
Attention: Candidate Services
1441 Schilling Place – North Building
Salinas, CA 93901


Candidate Statement of Qualifications Form (pdf)

Prepare For Your Candidacy

  • Verify you are registered to vote in the district for the office you plan to run for

  • Call (831)-796-1499 or

  • Check your voter status here

  • Prepare any campaign contact information you want us to share with voters (phone numbers, mailing address, email address, website, if applicable). This information will be due at the time of filing and will not be accepted after the close of the candidate filing period. This information may not be withdrawn. 

  • Review FPPC applicable forms, manual, rules, schedules, and regulations or visit www.fppc.ca.gov.

    • Manual 2 – Information for Local Candidates.

    • Form 501 – must be filed before you raise or spend a single penny with Monterey County Elections.

    • Form 410 – file this form if you anticipate raising or spending $2,000 or more for your candidacy. File this form with the Secretary of State (address in the instructions) and a copy with Monterey County Elections.

    • Form 470 – file this form if you anticipate raising or spending less than $2,000 for your candidacy. You will file this form with Monterey County Elections.

    • Form 700 – all candidates will file this form with Monterey County Elections.

    • Local Candidate Filing Schedule – the filing deadlines local candidates are required to meet.

    • State Candidate Filing Schedule – the filing deadlines state candidates are required to meet.

    • FPPC Contribution Limits – applies to state and local candidates per election.

    • Treasures Guidebook – provides helpful information and links to resources for candidates and treasures. 

    • Complaints/Violations? – if you suspect someone has violated the Political Reform Act, you will file the complaint with the FPPC’s Enforcement Division using the Electronic Complaint System.

  • Schedule appointment:

    • Helpful Links

    Monterey County Elections Electronic Filing System – Public Access Portal to review financial information provided by candidates and committees.