California Local Election Filing Deadlines Extended for 2026 General Election

The Imperial County Registrar of Voters announced that the candidate filing period for several local offices in Imperial County has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The extension applies to trustees and directors for a range of school districts, water districts, community services districts and the Imperial County Office of Education, following the California Elections Code provision that adds five calendar days when an incumbent does not file a declaration of candidacy.

Similarly, the Nevada County Elections Office in Nevada City reported that the filing deadline for 16 local contests across city councils, school districts, fire protection districts and other special districts has also been moved to 5 p.m. on August 12, 2026. The extension is triggered by incumbents’ failure to file by the original deadline, giving qualified candidates additional time to submit their paperwork.

Both counties advise prospective candidates to file with the appropriate local clerk or elections office and to consult the posted candidate lists for further details.