8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for State Senator in Dallas County
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline: Aug 22, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: state
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: Part Time
- Affiliation: partisan
- Typical salary: $25,000/year + $169 per diem
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: Jul 27, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
- Positions: Dallas County TreasurerIowa House of Representatives - District 49Dallas County Agricultural Extension Council (Unexpired term)Dallas County Hospital BoardDallas County Soil and Water Conservation District Commission...
Job description
State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Eligibility requirements
25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and inhabitant of Iowa for 1 year preceding election, residence of 60 days in the county or district they will represent
Filing instructions
Filing office address: Iowa Secretary of State, First Floor, Lucas Building, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319
Filing phone number: 515-281-0145
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Filing requirements: Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of least 1 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party in at least 10 counties and in the aggregate not less than 0.5 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in the state, as shown by the last general election. signature requirement of not less than 100 voters of the senatorial district; in districts composed of more than 1 county, at least 2 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party, as shown by the last general election, in each of at least 1/2 of the counties of the district, and in the aggregate by not less than 1 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in such district, as shown by the last general election.
FAQ
How often is State Senator elected?
The position of State Senator 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 Dallas County?
Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of least 1 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party in at least 10 counties and in the aggregate not less than 0.5 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in the state, as shown by the last general election. signature requirement of not less than 100 voters of the senatorial district; in districts composed of more than 1 county, at least 2 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party, as shown by the last general election, in each of at least 1/2 of the counties of the district, and in the aggregate by not less than 1 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in such district, as shown by the last general election.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where is the filing office?
Iowa Secretary of State, First Floor, Lucas Building, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 515-281-0145.
How do I get started running for State Senator?
You can start running for State Senator 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 State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.
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