Running for office in Seminole County

The following is just the beginning.  Please call our office at 407.585.VOTE and schedule an appointment to speak with Supervisor of Elections Ertel about the details of running for office in Seminole County.  Each year before a countywide election, the office holds a candidate workshop for candidates and the public to learn about the process.  A copy of the handout from the 2018 workshop is HERE
 
Who can run for office?
Anyone who is a registered voter in Seminole County.

When do I announce my candidacy?
You can begin campaigning and raising/spending funds as soon as you complete an appointment of campaign treasurer and file it with our office.  There is other paperwork needed down the line, but the filing of that initial form gets you started.

Does it cost any money to be a candidate?
It does not cost anything to decide and file to begin running for office.  However, in order to become a qualified candidate with placement on the ballot, you'll need to either pay a qualifying fee or collect petitions.

What are the qualifying fees?
The fees are based on a percentage of the salary of the position sought, and whether you are running for an office based on your party affiliation.   The qualifying fee to run as a party nominee for county commissioner is $5,048.58; for school board, it's $1,575.04; for county judge, it's $5,520.84; and for special districts like soil and water board or Dovera CDD, it's $25. This fee will be due during qualifying week, which for the 2018 election cycle, is April 30 through May 4 for judicial contests and June 18 through 22 for all other local contests.

Can I still run without paying the qualifying fee?
Yes.  For countywide offices, you can gather and have verified by our office petition forms signed by voters using the correct petition form.  For 2018 elections, you'll need 2,920 verified petitions.  They will need to be turned in to our office 28 days before the first day of qualifying for the office you seek.  You may also choose to run as a write-in candidate, where your name won't appear on the ballot, but you will still be a candidate.

How much of my finances will become public record? 
As part of qualifying for office, you'll have to complete a statement of financial interests.  At a minimum, the disclosure includes where you receive your income and what you own.  If you are running for a countywide office, the disclosure must include the amounts you receive, and the value of your assets and liabilities.

How often do I report my fundraising totals?
Generally, these will need to be reported monthly for all candidates and committees; but as the election gets closer, they need to be reported more often.  A chart of dates can be found HERE.

What if I want to run for office in my city?
Candidates who wish to run for city-level offices should contact their city clerk, who is the qualifying officer for mayor, city commission or city council.  More information about each city’s elections can be found at the following links: Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, Winter Springs.