For incumbents and individuals who would like to serve on a school or special district board, the close of candidate filing is Friday, Aug. 7.

Eligible candidates must be registered voters of the district, trustee area or division, as applicable. Additional requirements apply to some offices; refer to the online Election Notice at https://bit.ly/2BYTR49.

Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy in person and meet nomination requirements by 5 p.m. Aug. 7 to qualify for the General Election.

If an eligible incumbent fails to file a Declaration of Candidacy and meet the nomination requirements by the above date, a five-day extension expiring Aug. 12 is allowed for anyone, other than the incumbent, if otherwise qualified, to file for the office.
 
To obtain and file a Declaration of Candidacy (except for city offices), Santa Barbara County is utilizing a new contactless option for local candidates during the nomination period due to the pandemic.

Candidates can begin the filing process by applying online by no later than Wednesday, Aug. 5. Candidates will then be sent the documents via e-mail that they will need to print, complete and file to become a candidate.

The Declaration of Candidacy must be completed in the presence of an Elections Division clerk or California Notary, who will administer the oath and sign the declaration. All other forms are to be completed before filing.
 
Appointments are available to pick up and/or file candidacy documents, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact an office listed below:

· Santa Barbara Elections Main Office, 4440-A Calle Real. Visit https://candidatefiling.as.me/SantaBarbaraOffice or call 805-696-8957
 
· Santa Maria Elections Branch Office,  511 Lakeside Pkwy., hearing room. Visit https://candidatefiling.as.me/SantaMariaOffice or call 805-346-8374.