Tools for Running for Office

Nomination Period

The Nomination Period begins on Monday, July 13, 2026, and closes on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5pm. Per the elections code, the nomination period may be extended for candidates for the November 3, 2026, election until 5pm on August 13, 2026, if an incumbent does not file nomination papers to re-run for their current seat before the regular nomination period deadline of August 7, 2026, at 5pm. 

Official nomination petitions for eligible candidates desiring to file for office may be obtained from the Office of the Town Clerk, 9291 Old Redwood Highway., Bldg. 400, Windsor, by appointment with the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk, Monday - Thursday during the nomination period. Town offices are closed Fridays. The only exception is on Friday, August 7, 2026, (which is the last day to file), the Town Clerk's Office will be open on this day until 5pm, only for processing completed nomination papers. 

Candidate’s Information Guide

The viewable Candidate’s Information Guide and all necessary documents/forms for the election for the Town of Windsor will be available for pick up at the start of the nomination period. Candidate’s are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk to receive the necessary documents and forms during the nomination period. 

*Please note, this Guide does not include required forms and documents. You must schedule an appointment with the Town Clerk’s office to receive these documents.

Fees

There is no fee to pull or file the nomination papers. Candidates who choose to publish a candidate statement (in English and Spanish) will be required to pay the fee for printing of the statement into the ballot guide. A deposit of $600 will be taken for those candidates wishing to publish a personal statement into the guide.

Appointments can be made by email: townclerk@townofwindsor.ca.gov. Alternatively, you may call (707) 838-5315 to leave a message with the Town Clerk to schedule the appointment. 

Additional resources, can also be found on the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters website.

Nomination Process

During the open nomination period, each interested candidate meets with the Town Clerk and/or Deputy Town Clerk. Each candidate is provided a Candidate's Filing Guide containing useful information and regulations regarding the election process and campaign. Candidates also receive important documents to be completed and filed by the end of the nomination period. These documents include, but are not limited to the Nomination Petition, Ballot Designation Worksheet, Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications Form, Code of Fair Campaign Practices and FPPC Forms (mandated by the Fair Political Practices Commission).

Election Signs

NOMINATION PERIOD (1)Campaign Election Signs do not require a permit. However, all signs must follow the Town's Zoning Code of Posting Guidelines and dates you may display  election signs. A copy of these guidelines will be provided in the Candidate Information Guide.


Campaign Finance Contribution Limits

On May 18, 2022, the Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 2022-362, which added Chapter 8 to Title 1 of the Town of Windsor Municipal Code related to Campaign Finance Regulations. Thirty days after adoption, June 17, 2022, the following Town contribution limits became effective: $250 for a councilmember candidate, and $500 for a mayoral candidate. Therefore, a person cannot contribute, and a candidate for elective Town office may not accept, a contribution totaling more than the limit set forth for candidates. This rule supersedes limits set by the State.

TOWN ENFORCEMENT OF CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
Ordinance No. 2022-362 also imposed administrative civil penalties for violations of its provisions. Therefore, if a candidate violates the campaign contribution limit, the Town will impose a fine of a sum equal to three (3) times the amount by which the contribution exceeds the applicable contribution limit, or the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater, for each violation.

Statement of Organization / Recipient Committee

The Form 410 is required for all candidates and “recipient committees” who have received contributions of $250 (Town of Windsor Code 1-7-040) or more. The original and one copy of this form must be filed with the Secretary of State’s Office within 10 days of receiving $250 in contributions. Include a payment of $50 made payable to the Secretary of State when filing this form. One copy must also be filed with the Town Clerk at the same time. This amount override’s the amounts set by the state, per Town Ordinance 98-106.

The Secretary of State will issue an identification number to the committee. The identification number is to be included on all campaign disclosure forms. If any of the information on a Statement of Organization changes, the committee must file an amendment to the Statement within 10 days of the change. Please refer to the Campaign Disclosure Manual 2 for instructions on completing the form. 

There are special requirements for committees which qualify (i.e. receive $250) during the 90 days prior to the election in which the committee would otherwise be required to file pre-election statements and for committees, which must amend certain information contained on a Statement of Organization during the 90 days before an election. 

Important Contact/Telephone Numbers

Quick access to contact information.

Fair Political Practices Commission

To further assist you as a candidate, it is important to visit the FPPC (Fair Political Practices Commission) website and review the Campaign Disclosure Manual 2.

The Mission of the FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION is to promote the integrity of representative state and local government in California through fair, impartial interpretation and enforcement of political campaign, lobbying, and conflict of interest laws. They can be contacted at 1-866-ASK-FPPC (1-866-275-3772).