For Candidates

 

2026

• Elections Calendar - 2026
• Primary Election - August 4, 2026
• Independent Candidates
• Write-In Candidates
• Establishing a New Party

Primary Election August 4, 2026

The 2026 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in August for even numbered years). The filing period for candidates for the August 6, 2024 Primary Election begins at 8:00 a.m. on February 24, 2026 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2026 (Section 115.349, RSMo.).

Individuals voting in the Primary Election may select a party ballot of their choice (Section 115.121.2, RSMo.). Voters who do not wish to select a party ballot may request a ballot containing other issues, if their jurisdiction’s ballot contains issues.

The three established parties in Missouri are: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian.

• Candidate Filing Information 
• Candidate Qualifications 
• Overseas Military Candidate Designated Representative Form 

Independent Candidates

Deadline for submitting petitions for independent candidate nominations for the November 3, 2026 election: 5:00 p.m. July 27, 2026 (Section 115.329.1, RSMo.)

• Independent Candidate Information 
• Independent Candidate Petition 
• Candidate Declaration Form (Non-Federal Office) 
• Candidate Declaration Form (Federal Office) 

Write-in Candidates

Deadline for submitting a Write-in Candidate Declaration of Intent for the November 3, 2026 election: 5:00 p.m. October 23, 2026 (Section 115.453(4), RSMo.).

A Write-in Candidate is a person whose name is not printed on the ballot (Section 115.453(4-6), RSMo.) and who has filed a Declaration of Intent to be a Write-in Candidate for election to office with the proper election authority prior to 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2026 (Section 115.453(4), RSMo.). It is not necessary to file a Declaration of Intent if there are no candidates on the ballot for that office (Section 115.453(4), RSMo.).

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Write-In Candidate Information 
• Declaration of Intent (Non-Federal Office) 
• Declaration of Intent (Federal Office) 

Establishing a New Party

The deadline for submitting petitions for new parties and candidate nominations for the November 3, 2026 election is 5:00 p.m. on July 27, 2026 (Section 115.329.1, RSMo.). Please contact the Elections Division for more information at 573-751-2301 or email at [email protected].