How often is City Council elected?

The position of City 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 West Virginia?

Filing fee of $70, Campaign financial statement, certificate of candidate announcement

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the City Clerk's office.

Where is the filing office?

501 Virginia Street E, Charleston, WV 25301

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 304-348-8179.

How do I get started running for City Council?

You can start running for City 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 City Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

City Council in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia

Candidates for City Council

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What this symbol means

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Who's currently in office

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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.

Are you ready for Charleston's next election?

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Find your polling location

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About City Council

About this position

The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.

Office level: City
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

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

How to run for City Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Such officers shall for the assessment year preceding their respective elections as hereinafter provided, has been assessed with and paid taxes in the City of Charleston upon a valuation of at least one hundred dollars worth of real estate or personal property therein, and any person elected to any one of such offices who has not been assessed with and paid taxes on such amount of property shall not qualify or enter upon the performance of the duties thereof
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee of $70, Campaign financial statement, certificate of candidate announcement
Filing period
January 12, 2026 - August 1, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the City Clerk's office.
Where to file
501 Virginia Street E, Charleston, WV 25301
Filing phone
304-348-8179
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.

City Council in Charleston, WV

On the ballot

Candidates for City Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Charleston's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About City Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for City Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for City Council: Requirements, Duties, and Steps

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