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Municipal Candidates Table of Contents

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Want to learn about the functions and responsibilities of Municipal Officials? Check out About Municipal Office

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Some municipal elections do not line up with regularly scheduled primary and general elections - please check dates and deadlines with your qualifying officer (Clerk or SOE).

Before You File, make sure you meet the voter registration, age, and residency requirements to run for this office. Check here.
Make sure to check out our entire Campaign Checklist for a walkthrough of your other candidacy requirements.
Plan how you’ll be Announcing Your Candidacy. You only have one to chance to make a first impression so make it count! </aside>

Filing For Municipal Office:

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All Municipal candidates should check their individual county and municipality filing and qualifying requirements. Find your county's SOE site here.

Candidates may also refer to the DOE Treasurer Handbook for some specific requirements, which can be found here.

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The following information is not intended to be legal advice, candidates are encouraged to contact their qualifying officer for more information on requirements and deadlines. Refer to the Division of Elections Treasurer Handbook for specific requirements, which can be found here.

1️⃣ Complete the filing paperwork

All Candidates will need to complete a Candidate Depository (Form DS-DE 9) & Statement of Candidacy (Form DS-DE 84), but qualifying officers vary by office level.

Municipal: Municipal candidates should contact their qualifying office (City Clerk or Supervisor of Elections) to inquire about filing deadlines and requirements, as local requirements vary. Visit our Municipal Candidates page for additional guidance on these steps.

2️⃣ Obtain An EIN

The IRS requires that political committees obtain a tax ID number, otherwise known as an EIN. Candidates or their appointed treasurer can apply for the EIN by completing the IRS **Form SS-4** by fax, telephone, or online.

For a step by step instructional guide on obtaining an EIN click HERE

The EIN is NOT the same number as your Candidate ID number.

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All candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer before opening a campaign account, you will do this by filing **Form DS-DE 9** with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.

🚨Within ten days of filing DS-DE 9, candidate must then file DS-DE 84, a Statement of Candidacy, with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.

To learn more about appointing a Campaign Treasurer, check out General Financial Compliance

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3️⃣ Open a Campaign Bank Account

Political committees must open a bank account, which will be opened using their EIN. The name and address of your bank will be required to complete your Form DS-DE 9.

Your account must be at one of the following:

National Bank

State Bank

FDIC or NCUA- Insured Institution

🚨We strongly recommend calling your bank of choice before opening an account.

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For more information about opening and maintaining your Non-Federal bank account, visit the FEC **Bank Accounts of Political Party Committees.**

For a step by step instructional guide on opening a bank account click **HERE.**

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Methods To Qualify For The Ballot:

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All Municipal and Special District candidates should check their individual county and municipality qualifying requirements as they vary. Find your county's SOE site here.

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All Municipal candidates must decide to qualify either by paying a fee or by petition and submit qualifying documents to the appropriate qualifying officer by the last day of the qualifying period. For information about when the qualifying period is for your specific municipality, please contact your qualifying officer which is your city clerk or Supervisor of Elections.

👋 For a comprehensive overview of the Qualifying process check out our Qualifying For The Ballot Guide!

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Qualifying By Petition </aside>

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Qualifying By Fee </aside>

☑️ Requirements To Qualify

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The qualifying deadline is strict. Candidates who turn in paperwork or have unresolved issues after the 12 PM deadline will be disqualified from candidacy. Do not wait until the last minute to turn in your paperwork.

Even if a candidate submitted the required number of petitions by the petition deadline, they will still turn in the qualifying paperwork (minus the qualifying fee). Refer to the Division of Elections 2026 Qualifying Handbook here.

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1️⃣ File for office:

For more information check out, Non-Federal Candidates: Filing for Office

2️⃣ Complete the Required Paperwork:

All candidates, regardless of qualifying method, must turn in this document by the qualifying deadline. For additional guidance on completing this, check out our Qualifying For The Ballot Workshop Recording. The document varies by office so please select and complete the correct form for the office you are running for:

Municipal/Non-Partisan Candidates: Complete this form