COLUSA, Calif. (MPG) — The first step for candidates seeking local or state office in the June 2026 Primary Election is now underway in Colusa County.
The Colusa County Registrar of Voters opened the Signatures In Lieu filing period on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
The process is optional and allows prospective candidates to reduce the cost of running for office by collecting signatures from registered voters in place of paying all or part of the required filing fee. Valid signatures may also be applied toward the nomination signature requirement for the office.
“During the Signatures In Lieu period, candidates can collect signatures from registered voters to reduce the filing fee that they will have to pay when they file to run for office,” said Colusa County Clerk Recorder and Elections Official Cristy Jayne Edwards.
Several local offices are scheduled to appear on the June 2026 ballot. Positions include County Supervisor District 1, with incumbent Merced Corona, and County Supervisor District 5, with incumbent Janice Bell. Judicial and countywide offices include Judge of the Superior Court Department 1, incumbent Brendan Farrell; auditor, incumbent Robert Zunino; assessor, incumbent Bob Buckner; clerk recorder elections official, incumbent Cristy Jayne Edwards; treasurer tax collector, incumbent Cindy Dillard; and superintendent of schools, incumbent Chuck Wayman.
Edwards added that the Colusa County sheriff and district attorney positions will not be on the 2026 ballot.
“With the passage of Assembly Bill 759 moved local sheriff and district attorney elections from the gubernatorial election cycle to the presidential election cycle,” she said. “The change extended the current terms of those offices through 2028.”
Filing fees are calculated based on the annual salary of each office. The fee amount is set on the first day a candidate may begin circulating petitions to gather Signatures In Lieu.
The Signatures In Lieu period will close on Feb. 4, 2026. The official nomination and candidate filing period will open Feb. 9 and close March 6.
Candidates may pick up candidate filing documents at the Colusa County Registrar of Voters Office, located at 546 Jay St. in Colusa.
Additional information on candidate qualifications and election timelines is available through the California Secretary of State and the Colusa County Elections Office.
Candidates are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and filing deadlines early in the process to ensure compliance with state and local election laws.