How often is County Court Judge elected?

The position of County Court Judge is typically elected every 6 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in California?

Candidates must pay a filing fee of 1% of the first-year salary of the office. In lieu of a filing fee, candidates can submit signatures to qualify. In districts with more than 2,000 registered voters, candidates must submit a petition with three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 7 percent of total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. In districts with less than 2,000 registered voters, the candidate may submit a petition containing three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 14 percent of the total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. Candidates must also file a Candidate Intention Statement. All applicable documents and fees must be filed in the county elections office for which the candidate wishes to represent. Any applicant seeking a judicial appointment must complete and submit an application to the Office of Governor. All applicants are required to submit an application for appointment in electronic form. Applicants must also scan and email a photograph, written materials and an Authorization and Release form to the Office of Governor.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the County Election's office.

Where is the filing office?

1300 South Grand Avenue, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA 92705

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 714-567-7600.

How do I get started running for County Court Judge?

You can start running for County Court Judge by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for County Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

County Court Judge in Orange County, California

Candidates for County Court Judge

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Who's currently in office

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About County Court Judge

About this position

County Court Judges are responsible for adjudicating cases in Civil and Criminal Courts at the trial-level in certain specific areas, such as small-claims court or drug court.

Office level: County
Election frequency: Every 6 years
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for County Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
To be eligible for appointment, a person must be a registered voter and a citizen of the of the state of California. The candidate must be a member of the State Bar of California or a judge of a court in California for at least 10 years immediately preceeding selection. The candidate must be also a member in good standing with the California State Bar.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Candidates must pay a filing fee of 1% of the first-year salary of the office. In lieu of a filing fee, candidates can submit signatures to qualify. In districts with more than 2,000 registered voters, candidates must submit a petition with three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 7 percent of total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. In districts with less than 2,000 registered voters, the candidate may submit a petition containing three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 14 percent of the total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. Candidates must also file a Candidate Intention Statement. All applicable documents and fees must be filed in the county elections office for which the candidate wishes to represent. Any applicant seeking a judicial appointment must complete and submit an application to the Office of Governor. All applicants are required to submit an application for appointment in electronic form. Applicants must also scan and email a photograph, written materials and an Authorization and Release form to the Office of Governor.
Filing period
July 13, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the County Election's office.
Where to file
1300 South Grand Avenue, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Filing phone
714-567-7600
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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County Court Judge in Orange County, CA

On the ballot

Candidates for County Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Orange County's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About County Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for County Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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