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Resources: Running for Office
Important facts and dates for running for office on a statewide or local level.
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How to Qualify to Run
1.) Name Your Committee - Give your committee a name, such as "The Committee to Elect ____" or "Friends of ____"
2.) Choose a Treasurer - This person will sign all financial disclosures and their name will appear on all campaign materials.
3.) Obtain a Federal ID Number and Open a Bank Account - Many banks will not allow you to open a campaign bank account without a federal ID number.
4.) Pick Up Your Paperwork - Papers to run for office can be obtained from your county's election commission. Once you pick up the papers, your intent to run will be public information. (If you are running for a seat that covers multiple counties, you will need paperwork in those counties.) Find your county election commission office at the Tennessee Secretary of State's website.
5.) Obtain Signatures - You must obtain a number of signatures of individuals who live in your district in order to run. A good rule of thumb is to obtain at least double the amount of required signatures, in case some of the signatures are illegible or from individuals who do not live in the appropriate district.
6.) File Your Paperwork by the Deadline - If you don't make the deadline, you won't be on the ballot!
2018 Statewide Election Dates
Primary and General Election
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions |
Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 |
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| Qualifying Deadline | Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12 noon |
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| Withdrawal Deadline | Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 12 noon |
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| Voter Registration Deadline | Tuesday, July 3, 2018 |
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| Early Voting | Friday, July 13 - Saturday, July 28, 2018 |
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| Election Day | Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 |
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General Election
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions |
Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 |
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| Qualifying Deadline | Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12 noon |
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| Withdrawal Deadline | Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 12 noon |
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| Voter Registration Deadline | Thursday, Oct. 9, 2018 |
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| Early Voting | Wednesday, Oct. 17 - Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 |
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| Election Day | Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 |
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