How to File to Run for Office: Guide for 2026

Filing to run for office is one of the first milestones in any campaign. It’s what officially makes you a candidate, earns you a spot on the ballot, and allows you to legally raise and spend money. But for many grassroots candidates, especially Independents, the paperwork side of politics can feel overwhelming.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about how to file to run for office, including what “filing” actually means, how to gather signatures, and tips for staying compliant with campaign finance laws. Whether you're eyeing a seat on your local city council or considering a run for Congress, this guide will help you navigate the filing process with confidence.

What Is Filing in Politics and Why Does It Matter?

Filing in politics refers to the paperwork and procedures required to become an official candidate for public office. This includes things like submitting your name to election officials, showing proof of eligibility, paying filing fees, collecting voter signatures, and following campaign finance regulations.

In short, filing is what gets your name on the ballot.

Skipping steps, missing deadlines, or misunderstanding requirements can disqualify you before voters even get the chance to support you. So, understanding this process early is crucial, especially for third-party and Independent candidates who don’t have the benefit of party staff walking them through the system.

Filing requirements often include:

• Declaring your candidacy with the right election authority, such as your state or county’s board of elections

• Paying a filing fee

• Submitting a petition with valid voter signatures to show public support for your candidacy

• Filing financial disclosure forms and campaign finance reports

• Complying with ethical and political advertising rules

Some jurisdictions offer a straightforward process. Others have complex, outdated rules that can feel like they’re designed to trip you up. But with a clear plan and a few trusted resources, you can file confidently and start your campaign on solid ground.

How to File to Run for Office (Step by Step)

Let’s break down the process of filing to run for office with specific tips tailored toward third-party, grassroots, and Independent candidates.

Step #1: Understand the Rules in Your State and District

Every state, and often each city or county, has its own filing process. That means before you fill out a single form, you need to figure out what’s required for the specific office you want to run for.

Start by finding out:

• Who Oversees the Election: This is usually your city clerk, county elections office, or state board of elections.

• Candidate Qualifications: Age, residency, voter registration status, and other eligibility rules may apply.

• Ballot Access Rules for Independents: Some elections, like partisan primaries, are only for party members, while other ballots are open to anyone. However, the rules and requirements may be different for non-partisan offices and Independent candidates than for party-affiliated candidates.

• Filing Fee and Petition Requirements: You may need to submit signatures, pay a fee, or both.

• Filing Deadlines: These vary widely and are often non-negotiable. If you miss your filing deadline, you’ll likely have to run as a write-in candidate.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your city clerk or board of elections can help you navigate the process, or you can reach out to others who have run for the same office. 

LEARN MORE: Use GoodParty.org’s election look-up tool to find filing requirements and upcoming deadlines in your area.

Step #2: File a Statement of Candidacy

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered the necessary information, your first official filing step is to declare your candidacy with the appropriate authority.

Depending on your state, this may be referred to as a statement of candidacy, a declaration of intent, or a nomination form.

You’ll typically need to provide specific information about yourself, such as:

• Your full name and address

• The office you’re seeking

• Your district or ward, if applicable

• Your political affiliation, if any

• Proof of eligibility, like a copy of your voter registration

You may also be required to pay a filing fee, which can range from $25 for local races to several hundred dollars for state or judicial offices. Federal candidates running for Congress or president must also file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) once they raise or spend more than $5,000.

Step #3: Gather Petition Signatures, If Required

While it varies by office and state, most Independent candidates and some third-party and local candidates must collect petition signatures from registered voters in order to appear on the ballot.

This part of the process is often the most time-consuming, but also one of the most energizing. It’s your first chance to connect directly with voters and share why you’re running.

Here’s what to expect:

• Number of Signatures Required: This varies by state and office. Some states require a flat number; others use a percentage of voters from the last election.

• Voter Eligibility: Only registered voters in your district or jurisdiction can sign.

• Geographic Requirements: Some states require signatures from multiple counties or precincts for state-wide offices or offices that cover broader areas.

• Time Window: Petitions can often only be collected within a specific timeframe, sometimes just 60 or 90 days.

Always collect at least 150% to 200% of the signatures required because chances are not every signature will count. Invalid or incomplete signatures will be thrown out, and falling short by even one signature can disqualify your campaign.

LEARN MORE: Make signature gathering a breeze using our free petitioning course. 

Step #4: Submit Your Filing Packet

Once you’ve gathered your signatures, you’ll need to submit your complete filing packet.

That usually includes:

• Your signed and completed statement of candidacy

• Petition forms with voter signatures

• Any required affidavits or notarized statements

• Proof of filing fee payment or petition alternative

• Campaign contact information and disclosures

You may need to provide affidavits or notarized statements swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution, confirming you live where you say, and stating that you have familiarized yourself with campaign finance laws. 

Keep copies of everything. Scan or photograph your petition sheets, and request confirmation from your election office once submitted. Additionally, double-check submission deadlines and formats. Some jurisdictions allow e-filing, but many still require in-person submission during specific business hours.

Step #5: Register Your Campaign and Start Filing Finance Reports

After filing for candidacy, you’re required to comply with campaign finance laws. This means registering your campaign, opening a campaign bank account, and reporting your fundraising and expenses.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Register a campaign committee with your state or the FEC

• Open a campaign bank account separate from personal funds

• Track all donations and expenses, including who gave what and how funds were used

• Submit regular finance reports on a monthly or quarterly schedule

Good recordkeeping is critical. Even unintentional errors can result in fines, audits, or disqualification.

LEARN MORE: See your state’s campaign finance requirements. 

Step #6: Be Prepared for Challenges or Corrections

Once you’ve submitted your paperwork, your campaign isn’t totally in the clear. Opponents, election officials, or voters may file challenges to your petition signatures or paperwork.

Common reasons for a challenge or correction include:

• Not enough valid signatures

• Signatures outside your district

• Paperwork filed late or missing info

• Questions about eligibility or residency

If your candidacy is challenged, stay calm but act quickly. Contact your election authority for details about the challenge and gather documentation to support your case. You may need to get legal advice. Most challenges can be resolved, but only if you’re responsive, organized, and proactive.

Filing to Run for Office: What Comes Next?

Filing and paperwork are more than just red tape. They’re the foundation of a legitimate, people-powered campaign. Once your candidacy is official, it’s time to start building momentum, connecting with voters, and turning your values into a winning message.

Running for office as an Independent takes courage, commitment, and clarity. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. With GoodParty.org’s free and low-cost tools, resources, and community, you can file with confidence and campaign with purpose.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov