8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
Run for City Executive//Mayor in Athens, GA
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline: Aug 21, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: city
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: Full Time
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: $45,000.00
- Filing period: Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026
- Positions: Athens City MayorAthens City Mayor
Job description
The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. They often preside over council meetings and may have the power to hire and fire heads of municipal departments.
Eligibility requirements
21 years old, resident of the county for at least a year and continue to live there, registered voter
FAQ
How often is City Executive//Mayor elected?
The position of City Executive//Mayor is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Athens, GA?
In order to file, candidates must present a valid photo I.D., a check or money order of $1350 made out to their respective local party or, if independent, the Georgia Secretary of State (candidates who cannot furnish the fee may have it waived by executing a pauper's affidavit), and a completed notice of candidacy and appropriate affidavit from the Georgia SoS website (http://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Notice_of_Candidacy_and_Affidavit_(County).pdf). Candidates filing for the Republican Party are also required to complete and submit the Republican Party Oath. Candidates for Sheriff, Coroner, Tax Commissioner, Clerk of Superior Court, Judge of Probate Court, and Local Board of Education must submit an additional affidavit specific to their desired office - all of these can be found at the Georgia SoS website. Independent candidates running for partisan elections are further required to circulate a nominating petition and achieve a number of signatures equal to one quarter of one percent of the number of registered voters eligible to participate in that election in order to appear on the ballot during the general. Write-in candidates only need complete a Notice of Intention and submit it to their respective election superintendent (or the state SoS if running for a state-level position) and publish it in a newspaper or official newsletter of general circulation before the Tuesday after the first Monday in September before the election in order to be considered eligible to hold office.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Municipal Clerk's office.
Where is the filing office?
P.O. Box 1868 Athens, Georgia 30603.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 706-613-3150.
How do I get started running for City Executive//Mayor?
You can start running for City Executive//Mayor 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 City Executive//Mayor includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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