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Candidate guide - important dates 11/03/26

November 3, 2026 General Election.

This calendar contains important dates for local candidates. It is not intended for ballot measures or jurisdictions calling an election as required dates may not be the same. Please contact the Elections Department for additional information.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to complete and file all required documents on time according to the dates listed in this calendar. Dates not listed in this calendar will not preclude the candidate from filing or submitting documents and reports as required by law and/or requested by the elections official.

Current Election
Date Description Days before election day

July 13, 2026
thru
August 7, 2026

Nomination period
for all candidates

The nomination period for all candidates and incumbents to file with the Elections Department all required and optional documents, or withdraw as a candidate.

Run-off candidates for Congressional and State Legislative Office, and County offices may submit a statement of qualifications for the county Voter Information Guide. Payment must be made during this period.

113 - 88

July 28, 2026

Run-off candidates

Deadline for run-off candidates from the Primary election to request a different ballot designation for the upcoming November election.

Elections Code §§ 13107 (e)(h)

98

August 8, 2026
thru
August 12, 2026

Extension of Nomination Period

The nomination period will be extended if one or more incumbents of that contest have not filed by August 7th.
The nomination period will be extended to August 12th for persons other than the incumbent.

Elections Code §§ 10516

NOTE: The extension does not apply to a contest in which there are no incumbent(s) eligible to be elected.

87 - 83

August 8, 2026
thru
August 17, 2026

Public examination period

Extended period only

August 13, 2026
thru
August 22, 2026

Candidate statements are available for public examination for a period of 10 calendar days after the filing deadline. Anyone challenging a candidate’s statement must file a writ of mandate during that specific examination period.

Elections Code §§ 13313

NOTE: If the nomination period is extended for a particular contest, the examination period for that contest shall be
August 13 through August 22.

87 – 78

 

 

82 – 74

August 13, 2026

Random alphabet draw

The Secretary of State conducts a random drawing to decide the order of candidate names on the ballot.
The Registrar of Voters draws the random alphabet for State Assembly and State Senate candidates for the Marin County ballot.

Elections Code §§ 13111,13112

82

September 7, 2026
thru
October 20, 2026

Write-in candidacy

Write-in candidates for certain offices must pick up and file papers at the Marin County Elections Department.
Write-in candidates for municipal offices must contact their respective city/town clerk's office for information.

Elections Code § 8601

57 – 14

September 19, 2026

Overseas & military ballots

Deadline for our office to transmit ballots and related materials to military or overseas voters who have requested a ballot by this date.

52 U.S.C. § 20302; Elections Code § 3114

45

September 24, 2026

Voter Information Guide

The Elections Department will begin mailing Voter Information Guides to Marin County registered voters. 40

September 24, 2026

Campaign finance

Candidates must file at least 1 campaign finance statement by this date regardless of their level of activity covering the period 7/1/26 through 9/19/26.

Government Code § 84200.8

40

October 5, 2026

Vote-by-mail ballots

The Elections Department will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters in the county.
Marin County voters may pick up a vote-by-mail ballot or vote in person at the Elections Department beginning this date.

Elections Code §§ 3001, 4005

29

October 22, 2026

Campaign finance

Candidates with a campaign finance committee must report all financial activity from the date of their last statement through October 17, 2026.

Government Code § 84200.8

12

October 24, 2026

Early Voting Schedules

Vote centers open for early voting on staggered schedules at various locations as yet to be determined. Vote center locations will be listed in the Voter Information Guide. 10

November 3, 2026

Election Day

All vote centers, including the Elections Department, will be open 7 am – 8 pm.

Elections Code § 14212

0

November 5, 2026
thru
December 3, 2026

Official Canvass and
Election Certification

The Official Canvass and certification of the election must be completed within 30 days of the election. There are many multiple steps which includes the tabulation of all valid ballots cast, a verification and audit of the voting materials, and certification of the official results.

Elections Code §§ 15300 thru 15377

+2

days after election day

November 10, 2026

Receiving mail ballots

Deadline for the Elections Department to receive vote-by-mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, by way of bona fide mail delivery.

Elections Code § 3020

+7

days after election day

November 25, 2026

Receiving mail ballots

The last date voters may cure a missing / non-comparable signature on their ballot envelope.

Elections Code § 3019

+22

days after election day

December 4, 2026

Certificates of Election and Statement of Vote

The Elections Department will begin to prepare the certified statement of results and Statement of Votes for submission to the State and the County Board of Supervisors.
The Elections Department will begin to deliver to each person elected a certificate of election signed by the county elections official.

Elections Code §§ 15301, 15372

+30

days after election day

Related

Page last updated on July 6, 2026.