Walnut Creek residents who want to run for City Council, city treasurer or school board have until 5 p.m. Friday, August 7, to file their paperwork.

The candidate nomination period for the Tuesday, November 3, general election opened Monday, July 13, according to a news release from Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly.

Six local seats are on the ballot: two at-large City Council positions, the city treasurer and three Walnut Creek School District Governing Board seats, according to the county's positions-up-for-election list updated February 11, 2026.

Where to file

Prospective City Council and treasurer candidates pick up nomination papers from the Walnut Creek City Clerk's office, not the county. School district candidates file with the Contra Costa County Elections Division at 555 Escobar St., Martinez.

"Our Candidate Services team is ready to work with candidates who will be running in the November general election," Connelly said in the July 13 news release.

The filing process takes about 20 minutes. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing [email protected] or calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted but subject to staff availability.

Extension rule

If an incumbent does not file by the August 7 deadline, the nomination period for that seat extends to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, for non-incumbent candidates only. The names of the incumbents whose council and treasurer terms expire were not listed in county documents.

Ballot measures

Friday, August 7, is also the last day for any group to place a measure on the November 3 ballot. The deadline for primary arguments for or against measures is Wednesday, August 19; rebuttals are due Monday, August 24.

Voter deadlines

The county elections office listed the following calendar for voters:

  • Write-in candidacy period: Monday, September 7 – Tuesday, October 20
  • Vote-by-mail ballots mailed: Week of Monday, October 5
  • Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 19
  • Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot: Tuesday, October 27
  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
  • Target certification of results: Thursday, December 3

Residents can reach the Contra Costa County Elections Office at 925-335-7800 or visit contracostavote.gov for updates on candidates and ballot measures as filings come in.