How often is County Council elected?

The position of County Council is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Maryland?

Filing location is the county, need a Campaign Account, financial disclosure is required, $25 filing fee

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.

Where is the filing office?

41650 Tudor Hall Road Leonardtown, MD 20650-0197

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 301-475-4200 ext. 1625.

How do I get started running for County Council?

You can start running for County Council by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for County Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

County Council in St. Mary's County, Maryland

Candidates for County Council

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for County Council.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in St. Mary's County.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Scott R. OstrowDistrict 4
Republican · Current term 2023 to 2026
View profile

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Find your polling location

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About County Council

About this position

The County Commissioners are responsible for legislative and executive policy decisions affecting County government agencies. The County Commissioners are responsible for setting the tax levy and thereafter assuring that spending is limited to a set budget. The Commissioners provide leadership, define policy, and enact programs to meet community needs. The administrative office assists the Commissioners in day-to-day government operations.

Office level: County
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $38,784
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for County Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
In addition, the five (5) aforementioned County Commissioners must have been residents of the districts for two (2) years or, instead, residents of the County for four (4) years. The four (4) Commissioners, in addition, must be qualified voters in the Commissioner District prior to election to office.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing location is the county, need a Campaign Account, financial disclosure is required, $25 filing fee
Filing period
February 25, 2025 - August 3, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.
Where to file
41650 Tudor Hall Road Leonardtown, MD 20650-0197
Filing phone
301-475-4200 ext. 1625
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

County Council in St. Mary's County, MD

On the ballot

Candidates for County Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for St. Mary's County's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About County Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for County Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for County Commissioner in 2026

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

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About this guide

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