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Candidate Filing
Serving Your Community Through Leadership Opportunities
Stepping into public service is a meaningful way to support your community and help shape its future. Whether you are considering a local office or a statewide role, understanding the filing process, key dates, and available resources can help you move forward with confidence.
Exploring Your Path to Candidacy
The North Carolina State Board of Elections offers clear guidance for anyone interested in running for public office. Their resources explain how to file as a candidate, eligibility requirements, key deadlines, and the steps needed to appear on the ballot. The site also provides tools for campaign finance reporting, compliance, and training.
Prospective candidates will find helpful information on:
- Filing Requirements: How to submit a notice of candidacy, required documents, and filing fees.
- Eligibility: Basic qualifications for local, state, and federal offices.
- Deadlines: Important dates for filing, reporting, and election calendars.
- Candidate Tools: Forms, handbooks, and training materials from election officials.
These resources help residents understand the responsibilities of candidacy and support compliance with North Carolina election laws.
Candidates must meet certain requirements before they can file to run for office in North Carolina. These rules help ensure that candidates are eligible, understand their responsibilities, and meet basic legal standards for the office they want to hold.
- Be a Registered Voter: Candidates must be registered to vote in North Carolina.
- Live in the Correct District: Candidates must live in and be qualified to vote for the office they want to seek. Some offices have additional residency or service requirements set by state law.
- Meet the Age Requirement: Most candidates must be at least 21 years old by Election Day. Certain offices may list different age requirements.
- Follow Party Affiliation Rules: To file in a party primary, a candidate must have been registered with that party for at least 90 days before filing begins. This rule helps confirm that a candidate has a long-term affiliation with the party.
- Unaffiliated Candidates and Primaries: Voters registered as “unaffiliated” cannot file or run in a party primary. They may run as unaffiliated candidates in the general election if they meet petition requirements.
- Additional Qualifications: Some state and local offices have extra requirements, such as professional licenses, training, or minimum years of residency. Candidates should review these details before filing.
For complete eligibility rules and office-specific requirements, residents are encouraged to review guidance from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.