Running for Office
Filed Statements of Interest
A list of individuals who have filed a Statement of Interest with the Secretary of State's Office for the 2020 election cycle is available here:
Preparing to file For Office
If you are planning to file nomination paperwork, we highly encourage you to make an appointment. Please see our new candidate filing page at the link below to make an appointment and learn about what you must do in advance of filing your paperwork.
The filing period for candidates participating in Clean Elections opens on January 2, 2020. Non-participating candidates may begin filing on March 7, 2020. The deadline for all candidates to submit their nomination paperwork is on April 6, 2020 at 5:00 pm. Participating candidates may continue to apply for Clean Elections funding until August 4, 2020, but they must file their candidate nomination paperwork by the April 6th deadline.
Candidate Portal
Through the Candidate Portal, federal, statewide and legislative candidates can accomplish many of their filing needs in one website.
You begin your campaign by gathering signatures. The portal allows you to electronically gather signatures through our E-Qual system, or you can generate a tailor-made nomination petition to be printed and circulated the old-fashioned way. When the filing deadline approaches, a candidate can generate and file other required documents exclusively through the portal.
If seeking public funding, a statewide or legislative candidate may collect $5 qualifying contributions through the portal and file nearly all the documents necessary to receive public funding.
Candidates may also use the portal to promote their campaign by creating a public profile. Once you upload contact information, a photo, social media and website links, and a brief biography, we will publish your candidate on our website and be ready to display your name and photo on the Election Night Results page.
Important Filings Once in Office
Annual Financial Disclosure Statement
If you were a public officer at any time during a calendar year (even for a day), you must file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement between January 1 and January 31 of the following calendar year. If you are newly appointed to fill a vacancy in office, you must file a Financial Disclosure Statement within 60 days of the date you take office.
This requirement is separate from and in addition to the financial disclosure statement filed with your nomination petitions and nomination paper when running for office.
View previously filed Financial Disclosure Statements
Campaign Finance Reporting
Statewide and legislative candidates must file campaign finance reports with the Secretary of State's Office. Campaign finance reports must be filed after each applicable reporting period until committee termination.
Running for Local Office
Candidates seeking election for county or municipal office will file nomination petitions with the appropriate county or municipality. It is your responsibility to verify the correct form utilized in the jurisdiction in which you are seeking nomination.
All questions about running for local office, including precinct committeemen, should be directed towards the appropriate county, city or town elections office.
