The filing period for Nomination Papers begins on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and ends on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). City Hall is closed on February 16 and 17 due to holidays.  No appointments will be accepted for those days.  Please plan accordingly.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or email elections@sanjoseca.gov. A representative may pick up nomination papers for the candidate with the candidate’s written authorization. However, candidates are encouraged to come in personally, so they can receive important election information. Allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment.   

PLEASE NOTE: the forms below are not the total amount of forms you must pick up.  You MUST come in person or send a representative to get the nomination petition and other paperwork, and you must print and submit hard copies with your nomination petition. The fillable forms are provided for your convenience. Adobe Reader (or a similar application is required to open/edit fillable forms) Forms will be updated online at end of business day February 9th.

 Candidate Guide

• 2026 Candidate Guide

Forms

• Nomination Petition (Required, not available online. Must pick up in person)
• Candidate Information Request Form (CIRF) (please fill out and bring with you to your first appointment)
• Permission to Post Public Information (please fill out and bring with you to your first appointment)
• Authorization Form Obtain/ File Nomination Documents
• Declaration of Candidacy
• Ballot Designation Worksheet
• Candidate Statement of Qualifications
• Preferred Transliteration Form
• Request for Vietnamese Accents Form
• Form 503
• Form 501 (if not already submitted)
• Code of Fair Campaign Practices
• Department of Transportation - Statement of Responsibility
• Recommendations for Minimizing Cyber Risk
• Mass Mailing Requirements
• Form 700 (online filing with FPPC--candidates will be set up in system once they pull papers)

Important Resources

• FORM 502 Personal Campaign Funds Declaration of Candidate
• FORM 504 Disclosure of Post-Election Payment Agreements

• Election Signs Size and Placement (link to Municipal Code)
• Local Campaign rules (link to Municipal Code) applies to candidates, committees and contributors
• FPPC Candidate Toolkit
• Form 501 Candidate Intention Statement