Running for Public Office

What is the process?

Complete Candidate Information Form

Download and complete the Candidate Information Form.

Schedule an appointment

Make sure you have your completed Candidate Information Form in front of you, then call our office at (805) 781-5228 to schedule an appointment to take out papers to run for office.

Bring completed paperwork to your appointment

After scheduling your appointment we will email you additional forms and information. Be sure to bring your completed forms to your appointment at the scheduled time.

Who can use this service?

Generally, a candidate must be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for the office they are seeking, to use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

Depending on the office, there may be candidate filing fees required. Fees for any given office/election (if any) are listed in the candidate information booklet specific to that election.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available anytime throughout the year at the Clerk-Recorder office in San Luis Obispo during regular business hours except during County-observed holidays. However, the nomination and candidate filing periods are scheduled by statute at the beginning of an election cycle, generally from 103 to 88 days before the election.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information