How to Run for Local Office

If you are interested in running for local elected office, please read the attached How to Run for Local Office packet or visit the Virginia Department of Elections website for more information on becoming a candidate.

Do You Fulfill The Basic Qualifications To Be A Candidate?

• You have been a resident of Virginia for one year immediately preceding the election.
• You are a resident of the county, city, or town in which you are trying to run for office.
• You are registered to vote in the county, city, or town in which you are trying to run for office.

What Do You Need To File? (Links to needed forms are located in the How to Run for Local Office packet)

• Certificate of Candidate Qualification 
• Statement of Economic Interest 
• Declaration of Candidacy 
• Petitions of Qualified Voters (125 signatures required except Soil and Conservation) .
  • Initial petition pages must be filed along with the Declaration of Candidacy.
  • Subsequent petition pages may be filed up until the deadline in order to reach the minimum number of required signatures.
• Statement of Organization - with the Department of Elections through COMET and a signed copy to the Registrar within 10 days of meeting specific conditions.
• Campaign Finance Reports - with the Department of Elections through COMET according to the attached schedule.

 Non-party-affiliated candidates appear on the ballot in the order in which their filing is complete.