Candidate filing period for federal, state offices opens May 11

Candidate filing week began today, May 11, at 9 a.m. All interested candidates have until Friday, May 15 to file. The offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Superintendent of Public Instruction are among the positions open for election in 2020. Various U.S. and State Representative offices are also up for election this year.

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In order to be a candidate, you must be a registered voter and possess the qualifications as specified by law. Most positions require that you are registered to vote in the district for which you’re filing. The Secretary of State accepts filing for federal and state executive offices, and for legislative, court of appeals, and superior court offices. County elections departments accept filings for all other offices.

This week, candidates can file online here, but will need to have a Visa, MasterCard or American Express ready to pay the filing fee. The filing fees are 1% of the office’s annual salary. In-person filing is also available through the Secretary of State or county auditor’s offices, or candidates can file by mail.

If you decide you do not want your name on the ballot, a signed withdrawal form must be received by Monday, May 19. Filing fees are non-refundable.

The Secretary of State’s Office recommends that candidates submit their Voters’ Pamphlet statement and photo with the declaration and filing fee. All pamphlet submissions are online and must be submitted by May 22.

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Approved candidate declarations, voter pamphlet submissions, campaign contact information, and public disclosure commission documents are public record.

Find a complete list of offices open for election in 2020 here.

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