Information on Running for a Local Office:
Welcome we are dedicated to making the election process as accessible and transparent as possible. If you are interested in running for local office in Caldwell County, here is what you need to know:
- Determine your eligibility: Before you can run for office, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This may include residency requirements, age requirements, and any other qualifications that may be required for the specific office you are seeking.
- Research the filing requirements: You will need to file certain forms and pay a filing fee to run for office. You can find information on the specific forms and fees required on our website or by contacting our office.
- Collect signatures: Depending on the office you are running for, you may need to collect signatures from registered voters in your district to qualify for the ballot. Make sure you understand the requirements for petitioning onto the ballot and collect the necessary signatures before the deadline.
- Follow campaign finance rules: Texas has strict campaign finance rules that you must follow. You will need to file periodic reports detailing your campaign finances, including contributions and expenditures. Make sure you understand the reporting requirements and deadlines.
- Engage with voters: Running for office requires building a strong connection with voters. Attend local events, engage with constituents on social media, and knock on doors to meet potential voters and learn about their concerns.
- Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with local issues and events by attending city council meetings, reading local news sources, and engaging with other community members. This will help you understand the issues that matter to your constituents and shape your platform.
- Contact us: If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help you navigate the election process and ensure that the election is fair and transparent for all candidates.
Requirements for local offices (municipalities, school districts, other districts) in Texas vary according to the political subdivision. Therefore, you must contact the political subdivision where you are interested in running for office for qualification requirements, filing periods and other relevant information. At a minimum, you will be required to file an application for place on the ballot with your political subdivision. For additional information visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Local Election Candidate Information Page.
The following links are helpful resources for candidates as well as for office holders.
Candidates and/or office holders are required to file Campaign Finance Reports on a certain filing schedule.
Filings due to the Caldwell County Elections Department should be filed using our online filing system.
Note: You will not be able to file reports using the online system until our office has approved your registration application. Your registration cannot be approved until we have received the completed Caldwell County ECF Form.
Please contact the Texas Ethics Commission to determine who the filling authority is for the office you hold or intent to run.