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HomeElections CodeDiv. 10Pt. 4§ 10510 Candidacy Declaration Filing Deadlines

§ 10510 Candidacy Declaration Filing Deadlines

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10510 Candidacy Declaration Filing Deadlines

This law tells people who want to run for a district office how and when to file their candidacy papers, and it limits them to running for only one office or term in the same election.

Key Takeaways

  • •Get the official candidacy form from the county elections office (or the district secretary if allowed).
  • •File the form between 113 days and 88 days before the election, no later than 5 p.m. on the 88th day (in person or by certified mail).
  • •You cannot withdraw your candidacy after the 5 p.m. deadline on the 88th day.
  • •You may only file nomination papers for one district office or one term in the same election.
  • •The county elections official must give a copy of each filed declaration to the district secretary if asked.

Example

Jane wants to run for the school board in her county. She gets the official form from the county elections office, fills it out, and either drops it off or mails it so it arrives by 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the election. After that time she cannot take her name off the ballot, and she can’t also file to run for the city council in the same election.

Jane follows the filing dates set by the law, uses the proper form, and only runs for one district office, so her candidacy is valid.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10510 Candidacy Declaration Filing Deadlines

(a) Forms for declarations of candidacy for all district offices shall be obtained from the office of the county elections official. The county elections official may, for convenience or necessity, authorize the district secretary to issue declarations of candidacy. The forms shall first be available on the 113th day prior to the general district election and shall be filed not later than 5 p.m. on the 88th day prior to the general district election in the office of the county elections official during regular office hours or may be filed by certified mail so that the forms reach the office of the county election official no later than the deadline for filing in that office. The county elections official shall record the date of filing upon the first page of each declaration of candidacy filed pursuant to this section. No candidate shall withdraw his or her declaration of candidacy after 5 p.m. on the 88th day prior to the general district election. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not file nomination papers for more than one district office or term of office for the same district at the same election. (c) On request of the district secretary, the county elections official shall provide the secretary with a copy of each declaration of candidacy filed pursuant to this section. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 86, Sec. 4. Effective July 19, 2005.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

declarations of candidacycounty elections officialdistrict secretarygeneral district electionnomination papers

Related Statutes

  • § 10512 Candidate Oath Requirement
  • § 10517 District Election Responsibilities
  • § 10518 District Election Delegation
  • § 10519 District Election Duties Delegation
  • § 10520 District Election Cost Reimbursement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 10510.
View Official Source