This information is for individuals interested in running for elected office.
According to SBE policy, the first day an individual may file a Certificate of Candidacy is July 6, 2009.
Please note- Monday, July 5, 2010 is a State Holiday. SBE office will be closed.
For Democratic and Republican Candidates:
Deadline: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by 9:00pm to file the following required documents.
A Certificate of Candidacy designating the individual as a candidate to appear on the Primary ballot for an elective office must be filed in person at the appropriate election office.
At the time of filing the Certificate of Candidacy, a candidate for State or local office is also required to have established an authorized candidate campaign committee. Download the Statement of Organization.
A Financial Disclosure Form is required for all State and local candidates (a PDF is available for local candidates that describes the materials needed for filing). The Financial Disclosure Form is to be filed with the controlling agency; however, it is the policy of the election boards to accept the form when a candidate files for office. The form covers the previous calendar year (not the current year in which the candidate files). It is important to note that a candidate for a state office and various county offices are required to have the financial disclosure form notarized. If the form is not notarized, it will be deemed not filed and the candidate will not appear on the ballot. If filing for a judicial office, the candidate must file an original and one copy, otherwise it also will be deemed not filed. A candidate may file a receipt as proof if the candidate previously filed a financial disclosure form for the calendar year required for the candidacy. For additional information about filing the financial disclosure, please contact the appropriate controlling agency.
Filing fees depend upon the office sought. The fee must be paid either by check, money order or cash. It is permissible for a state or local candidate’s campaign finance entity to pay the fee.
For recognized non-principal political party candidates:
(Constitution, Green, Independent, and Libertarian)
In order for a non-principal political party candidate to be placed on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010, there are two major filing deadlines that must be met.
Deadline #1 – Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by 9:00p.m.
A Declaration of Intent designating the individual as a candidate seeking the nomination of the political party to an elective office must be filed in person at the appropriate election office. This action alone does not qualify a candidate for the General Election ballot.
Deadline #2 – August 2, 2010 by 5:00p.m.
The deadline to file the Statement of Organization, Financial Disclosure Statement, Certificate of Nomination, Certificate of Candidacy and filing fee are not required to be in person, however, they must be received by the election office by the deadline, and postmarks will not be accepted.
Statement of Organization
At the time of filing the Certificate of Candidacy, a candidate for State or local office is also required to have established an authorized candidate campaign committee. This must be established prior to conducting any campaign finance activity.
The appropriate election office must receive official documentation, executed pursuant to the party’s constitution and/or by-laws, indicating the candidate’s nomination to the office sought. This document may come directly from the political party to the appropriate election office. If the appropriate election office does not receive the Certificate of Nomination, the candidate does not qualify for the ballot.
A Financial Disclosure Form is required for all State and local candidates. The Financial Disclosure Form is to be filed with the controlling agency; however, it is the policy of the election boards to accept the form when a candidate files for office. The form covers the previous calendar year (not the current year in which the candidate files). It is important to note that a candidate for a state office and various county offices are required to have the financial disclosure form notarized. If the form is not notarized, it will be deemed not filed and the candidate will not appear on the General Election ballot. If filing for a judicial office, the candidate must file an original and one copy, otherwise it also will be deemed not filed. A candidate may file a receipt as proof if the candidate previously filed a financial disclosure form for the calendar year required for the candidacy. For additional information about filing the financial disclosure, please contact the appropriate controlling agency.
Filing fees depend upon the office sought. The fee must be paid either by check, money order or cash. It is permissible for a state or local candidate’s campaign finance entity to pay the fee. If filing by mail, it is not recommended to send cash.
After filing the required documents and payment of the fees, the Declaration of Intent automatically becomes the Certificate of Candidacy, making the candidate eligible to be placed on the General Election ballot.
All forms mentioned on this page are available on our candidacy form page.