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Running for Office

 

Most first time candidates, and many experienced candidates have questions about the process of running for office.  To address some of those questions, what follows is an explanation of some of the basics of becoming a candidate.  By no means is this meant to be a comprehensive explanation of everything that a candidate needs to know.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Charles Overturf, Supervisor of Elections, at (386)329-0224.
 

Frequently Asked Questions - Candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions - Campaign Finance.

Frequently Asked Questions - Campaign Advertising.

 

BECOMING A CANDIDATE

To begin the process of becoming a candidate, you may come to the Supervisor of Elections office to pick up a Candidate Filing Information Packet.  This packet contains the required forms, information on filing reports electronically, Florida Statutes related to candidates and campaign finance, a list of qualifying fees and petition information.

WHAT TO FILE

  • Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (Form DS-DE 9) - the first form that must be filed with the filing officer to become a candidate.  The DS-DE 9 must be filed before opening a campaign account, any contributions are received, any expenditures are made, and any signatures are obtained on a candidate petition.
  • Statement of Candidate (Form DS-DE 84) - must be filed with the filing officer within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE 9.  This form states that the candidate has been provided access to read and understand the requirements of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
     
  • Statement of Candidate for Judicial Office (Form DS-DE 83) must be filed by each candidate for judicial office, including an incumbent judge, within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE 9.
     
  • Candidate Acknowledgement Form - verifies that you understand candidates are required to file campaign finance reports through the electronic filing system.
  • Candidate Authorization Form - this will enable the elections office to know who the candidate designates to pick up candidate orders.


QUALIFYING FOR OFFICE

Qualifying is a one-week period in which candidates are required, by law, to file additional forms in order to have their name placed on the ballot.  The Supervisor of Elections office may accept qualifying papers up to 14 days prior to the qualifying period but the will not be processed until the qualifying period begins.

2024 DATES FOR CANDIDATE QUALIFYING

State and local candidates: begins NOON, June 10, 2024, and ends NOON, June 14, 2024.
Qualifying papers will be accepted beginning May 27, 2024, pursuant to Section 99.061(8), F.S.

Federal and Judicial candidates: begins NOON, April 22, 2024, and ends NOON, April 26, 2024.
Qualifying papers will be accepted beginning April 8, 2024, pursuant to Section 99.061(8), F.S.

 
QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS

  • Candidate Oath
  • Financial Disclosure Form (Form 1 or Form 6)
  • Qualifying Fee (must be paid with Campaign Check) or Alternative Method Petition Certification.

Note: Candidates must pay a qualifying fee or filed by petition process, unless filing as a write-in candidate.

You may contact the Supervisor of Elections office for information on Candidate Qualifications and Qualifying Fees and Important Dates and Petition Requirements for Candidates.

Charles L. Overturf III, Supervisor of Elections, Putnam County

Address & Qualifying Office: 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 900, Palatka, FL 32177

P: (386) 329 - 0224 | F: (386) 329 - 0455 | H: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Email: electionsoffice@putnam-fl.gov