If running for office is on your mind, one calendar date matters more than it might first appear.
The Nevada Secretary of State’s Office is reminding people interested in running for a non-judicial office that the candidate filing period opens in March. Still, there is a key requirement that comes first.
Prospective candidates must be registered to vote in the jurisdiction they seek to represent for at least 30 days before filing.
That clock runs out on February 11. It is the final day people can register to vote or update an existing registration to meet the requirement. Registration updates can be made online at VOTE.NV.gov.
The rule comes from Assembly Bill 491, approved during the 2025 legislative session. It requires judicial and non-judicial candidates, with the exception of candidates for federal office or district attorney, to be registered voters in the area they would represent if elected.
The non-judicial candidate filing period runs from March 2 to March 13. State election officials say candidates should use the time now to confirm eligibility and prepare the required paperwork. Filing instructions, forms, and locations are available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Even for people not planning a run for office, the state says this is a good moment to double-check voter registration information ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Updated records help ensure voters receive election updates, sample ballots, and other materials.
Questions can be directed to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at NVElect@sos.nv.gov or by calling (775) 687-8683.Â
