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The nomination period for the November 2026 election will open Monday, July 13, marking the official start of the local election season.
Candidates will have until Aug. 7 to file nomination documents with the appropriate election officials. That deadline will be extended to Aug. 12 if an incumbent does not seek reelection.
The San Mateo County Elections Office oversees filings for county supervisor, school board trustee and special district races, while city clerks handle candidate filings for municipal offices. The Elections Office recommends that candidates file early to allow time to resolve any issues.
Depending on the office, some candidates may be required to collect nomination signatures while others only need to file a declaration of candidacy. Candidates planning to raise funds must also submit campaign finance paperwork.
The San Mateo County Elections Office will host a seminar for prospective candidates on July 22. Additional information, including a candidate guide and filing requirements, is available at smcacre.gov/elections.
Cities and towns
Menlo Park City Council – 3 districts (map)
District 1: includes the Belle Haven and Bayfront neighborhoods.
District 2: the Willows, Suburban Park, Lorelei Manor and Flood Triangle neighborhoods.
District 4: downtown Menlo Park, Allied Arts and central Menlo Park.
Woodside Town Council – 2 districts (map)
District 2: parts of Woodside along Kings Mountain Road and parts of Emerald Hills east of Interstate 280.
District 3: areas south of Woodside Road but north of the three-way intersection of Woodside, Portola and La Honda roads.
Atherton City Council – 3 at-large seats and 1 at-large special election
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to note an additional City Council seat will be on the November ballot for a two-year term due to the resignation of Diana Hawkins-Manuelian.
Portola Valley Town Council – 3 at-large seats
Education
Sequoia Union High School District – 2 trustee areas (map)
Area A: parts of Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City.
Area D: Menlo Park and Atherton.
There is also an active recall effort for the other three Sequoia Union board seats.
Las Lomitas Elementary School District – 3 at-large seats
Menlo Park City School District – 3 at-large seats
Portola Valley Elementary School District – 2 at-large seats
Woodside Elementary School District – 3 at-large seats
Special districts
Menlo Park Fire Protection District – 3 board seats
West Bay Sanitary District – 2 board seats
Woodside Fire Protection District – 1 board seat
