Signatures-in-Lieu Filing Fee Period Opens December 19 for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election
Author: Erin Clausen
Date: 12/19/2025 12:54 PM
The Signatures-In-Lieu Filing Fee Period Opens December 19, 2025, for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. This period offers potential candidates the opportunity to begin collecting signatures in lieu of paying filing fees.
Candidates looking to run for office in the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election can begin collecting signatures in lieu of paying filing fees starting Friday, December 19, 2025. This period gives prospective candidates the opportunity to gather voter signatures that can reduce or fully offset the cost of qualifying for the ballot.
The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office will make “signatures-in-lieu” petitions available beginning December 19, 2025. Returned petitions must contain only valid signatures from registered voters residing within the jurisdiction of the office sought. The number of signatures required to offset filing fees varies by office, and all submissions will be reviewed by Elections Office staff for verification.
If a candidate does not collect the total number of required signatures, the remaining balance of the filing fee must be paid in order for nomination documents to be issued. Signatures collected for this purpose may also be applied toward the signatures needed on nomination papers.
Important Filing Deadlines
The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office will make “signatures-in-lieu” petitions available beginning December 19, 2025. Returned petitions must contain only valid signatures from registered voters residing within the jurisdiction of the office sought. The number of signatures required to offset filing fees varies by office, and all submissions will be reviewed by Elections Office staff for verification.
If a candidate does not collect the total number of required signatures, the remaining balance of the filing fee must be paid in order for nomination documents to be issued. Signatures collected for this purpose may also be applied toward the signatures needed on nomination papers.
Important Filing Deadlines
- Signatures-in-Lieu Period: December 19, 2025 – February 4, 2026
- Judicial Declarations of Intention: January 26 – February 4, 2026
- Judicial Declaration Extension (if applicable*): February 5 – February 9, 2026
- Declaration of Candidacy & Nomination Papers: February 9 – March 6, 2026
- Nomination Extension Period: March 7 – March 11, 2026
- Write-In Period: April 6 – May 19, 2026
*Occurs only when an incumbent fails to file their Declaration of Intention by 5pm on the normal filing deadline.
A complete Candidate Information Guide, including detailed instructions on the signatures-in-lieu process and other election requirements, will be available on the San Luis Obispo County Elections website by the end of December.
For assistance or to request petition forms, contact the San Luis Obispo County Elections Office at 805-781-5228 or [email protected].
A complete Candidate Information Guide, including detailed instructions on the signatures-in-lieu process and other election requirements, will be available on the San Luis Obispo County Elections website by the end of December.
For assistance or to request petition forms, contact the San Luis Obispo County Elections Office at 805-781-5228 or [email protected].
