5 things to know about candidate filing deadlines
Introduction
At BallotReady, our research team gathers the information needed to identify, recruit and run candidates at every level of government from county election offices across the country.
Our "run for office" database includes filing deadlines, instructions and requirements for over 300 unique position types (things like governor, mayor, school board member, district attorney, mosquito abatement board member) in all 50 states.
In fact, filing period start dates and end dates are already available through our database for over 107,000 open seats set to be on the ballot in 2026. Our research paints a complex and dynamic picture that requires our partners to have highly adaptable recruitment strategies, particularly state to state.
Here are 5 takeaways on candidate filing deadlines in the U.S. based exclusively on BallotReady research ⬇️
Plus, in case you missed it, take a look at our 2025 & 2026 Candidate Filing Calendar to see the full schedule of upcoming filing deadlines in each state.
1. The length and timing of candidate filing deadlines vary wildly from state to state.
Stat to know: Some states like Maryland offer nearly year-long windows for aspiring candidates to file to run for local office. Others like Washington and Florida offer as few as 4 days to get everything submitted.
2. On average, candidate filing periods are longer in 2026 – but the variation by level of government is minimal.
Stat to know: The average candidate filing period in days overall on 2025 is 41 days. The average in 2026 is one week longer at 49 days. However, recruitment campaigns can coordinate their strategies up and down the ballot, as filing deadlines are mostly the same at each level.
3. The length of filing windows can vary by position type – but most of that variation is still state to state
Stat to know: We are tracking filing deadlines for 318 unique position types in 2026 and over 107,000 open seats across the country. This includes 85% of state legislative seats up for election next year – the filing window for which varies from state to state.
4. After a candidate files for office, the duration of the campaign cycle leading up to Election Day can look very different from state to state.
Stat to know: On average, following the candidate filing deadline, the campaign cycle in 2026 is 103 days – a full two weeks longer than in 2025. Still, most of the variation is from state to state.
5) A large percentage of open seats each year have filing deadlines that overlap with preceding cycles.
Stat to know: Nearly 25% of positions up for election in 2025 had filing deadlines in 2024. Another 5,000 open seats in 2026 have filing deadlines in December 2025.
Download our 2025 & 2026 Candidate Filing Deadline Calendar to see the full schedule:
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