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Become A Candidate

Want To Run For Office?

Check the requirements for the office of your choice at the Secretary of State’s website.

Planning to run in a primary? Check with your preferred political party to be sure you meet that party’s definition of a bona fide party member.

 
Q: Can I run with my party (Democrat or Republican) AND as an independent?
A:  No. You can pull a petition for both, but you can only submit ONE petition for an office. Choose carefully to ensure you make the best decision for your candidacy. 

Filing a Petition. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1) Pick up a petition at either of our offices. Find info on filing deadlines on Key Dates and Offices on the Elections tab.

2) Obtain 25 valid signatures from registered voters who live in your district. Get extra signatures; many will not be valid, and each one is validated by the Election Commission.

3) Once you have the signatures, return the petition to one of our offices before the deadline. The deadline is always noon on the deadline date. We recommend bringing the petition back as soon as possible, so if there are not enough valid signatures, you will have time to get more.

After we verify the signatures on the petition, you will be notified by mail about the status of your petition. If your petition has sufficient signatures, it will be presented to the Shelby County Election Commission for certification. Once the Election Commission has certified the petition, your name will be on the ballot.

But wait, what if I change my mind? Should you change your mind about running, you must withdraw your petition before the withdrawal deadline. Otherwise, your name will appear on the ballot.

All candidates are required to:

Visit this page for additional information on candidate responsibilities from the Bureau of Campaign Finance.

Political organizations may be subject to requirements from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Shelby County Election Commission cannot help with IRS requirements. Please consult a tax professional or visit the IRS website.