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Run for Justice of the Peace (Judicial) in Harris County, TX
Election Date: Nov 5, 2024Filing Deadline: Apr 4, 2024
Election Details
- Office level: county
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: Part Time
- Affiliation: partisan
- Typical salary: $132,766/year
- Filing period: Mar 6, 2024 - Apr 4, 2024
- Positions: Harris County Justice of the Peace - Precinct 6, Place 1Harris County Justice of the Peace - Precinct 5, Place 1Harris County Justice of the Peace - Precinct 2, Place 1Harris County Justice of the Peace - Precinct 4, Place 1Harris County Justice of the Peace - Precinct 1, Place 1...
Job description
The lowest court level in Texas is the Justice of the Peace Court (also called Justice Court or JP Court). They have original jurisdiction in "criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only",
exclusive jurisdiction in "civil matters where the amount in controversy is $200 or less", and "Such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law".
Eligibility requirements
Candidate must be at least 18 years old, must be a US citizen, must be a registered voter in the precinct the office is sought, must be a Texas resident for at least 12 consecutive months, and a precinct resident for 6 consecutive months. Candidate must not have been finally convicted of a felony from which they have not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities. Candidate must not have been determined by a court with probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
FAQ
How often is Justice of the Peace (Judicial) elected?
The position of Justice of the Peace (Judicial) 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 Harris County, TX?
Major party-affiliated candidates should file an application for a place on the ballot to their respective county party chair. This should be accompanied by either a filing fee of $375 or a nominating petition with a number of signatures equal to the 2% of the number of votes cast in the previous general election in this district (or 500, whichever is lower). Candidates in counties with at least 200,000 inhabitants must pay a filing fee of $1,000. For candidates running in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Tarrant counties, a 250-signature judicial petition is required in addition to the filing fee, or 750 signatures in lieu of a fee. Minor party candidates should consult with their respective party chair to determine requirements. Independent candidates should file a Declaration of Intent to Run as an Independent Candidate during the primary filing period. In addition, independent candidates will need to collect a number of signatures equal to 5% of the number of votes cast within the district in the most recent gubernatorial election (or 500 signatures whichever is lower) in support of their application for a place on the general election ballot and submit these to the county judge. All forms can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the office of the county party chair; Independent candidates must submit paperwork to the county judge's office.
Where is the filing office?
1001 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling (713) 755-4000.
How do I get started running for Justice of the Peace (Judicial)?
You can start running for Justice of the Peace (Judicial) 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 Justice of the Peace (Judicial) includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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