The 2026 election season is officially underway in San Bernardino County as the candidate filing period for the November 3 General Election is now open. Individuals interested in seeking public office have until Friday, August 7, to complete the filing process with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters or their local city clerk, depending on the office they are seeking.
The November election will determine representation for a variety of federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district offices throughout the county. While some races feature incumbents seeking reelection, others include open seats that could bring new leadership to local communities. Candidate filing officially began on July 13, marking the start of one of the busiest periods of the local election cycle.
The Registrar of Voters encourages prospective candidates to begin the filing process as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline. Filing requirements vary depending on the office being sought and may include nomination documents, campaign finance forms, candidate statements, and other legally required paperwork. Appointments are available through the Registrar of Voters to help ensure candidates have adequate time to complete the necessary documentation correctly.
If an eligible incumbent does not file by the August 7 deadline, California election law generally allows the nomination period for that office to be extended, providing additional time for other qualified candidates to enter the race. This extension helps ensure voters have choices on the ballot while maintaining fairness throughout the election process.
For voters, the filing period is the first opportunity to learn who may appear on the November ballot. Candidate information will continue to be updated as filings are completed and verified. Once filing closes, election officials will finalize the list of qualified candidates before preparing ballots and voter information guides later this fall. Mail ballots are scheduled to begin going out in early October, with early voting also beginning at that time.
Communities across San Bernardino County—including San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Redlands, Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, and many other cities—may see competitive races for local offices that directly influence public safety, infrastructure, parks, economic development, housing, and community services. Local elected officials make many of the day-to-day decisions that affect residents, making municipal and county elections particularly significant.
Residents interested in running for office or learning more about candidate eligibility, filing appointments, campaign disclosure requirements, or election deadlines can find detailed information through the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. The office also provides resources for campaign finance reporting, candidate statements, and election calendars to help both first-time and experienced candidates navigate the process successfully.
Election officials encourage both prospective candidates and voters to stay informed as the campaign season progresses. Candidate filing is only the beginning of a process that will continue through the summer and fall before voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to select representatives who will help shape the future of communities across San Bernardino County.