How does one become a candidate?
To start the process of becoming a candidate, the person must first pick up a qualifying petition at our office. The candidate will take the petition and obtain at least 25 valid signatures of registered voters in the district that he or she is running in.

The potential candidate must also complete the following candidate forms:

1. Appointment of Political Treasurer. Candidates must appoint a "Political Treasurer". The
candidate may appoint himself/herself as Treasurer; most candidates do.

2. Financial Disclosure Forms.

What is a "valid signature"?

• A qualifying petition must contain at least 25 signatures of qualified voters of the district, city
  or county in which the candidate is running in.
• A qualified voter is a registered voter who is: a citizen of the U.S.; a resident of the State of
  Tennessee; 18 years old or older or will be 18 by the day of the election; & a non-felon (or they
  have had their voting rights restored).
• Voters are required to vote in the precinct in which they live.
• The signer must give his/her residence address. "P.O. Boxes" as the only address cannot be
  counted as valid.
• The signature of the signer must match the signature on file. In other words, a person cannot
  sign for another person.
• The signer must print his/her name and provide the residence address and sign where indicated.

Can a person withdraw from the race?
Yes. If a candidate wishes to withdraw his/her petition, he/she must do so in writing to the election commission office no later than the 7th day after the qualifying deadline by 12:00 noon.
However, a candidate cannot have his/her name removed from the ballot once the withdrawal deadline has passed.

When is the last day a person can register to vote?
The 30th day before the election is the last day to register. (Do not count election day as one of the 30 days.)

Can someone other than the candidate pick up the qualifying petition?
Yes, someone can pick up a petition for a candidate; however, the election commission must fill out who it is for. A person cannot pick up a blank petition. He/she must be a person approved by the candidate.

What is the earliest day a person can pick up a Qualifying Petition?
No more than 90 days before the Qualifying Deadline.
The Qualifying Petition must be turned back in to our office no later than 12:00 noon on the 3rd Thursday of the 3rd month prior to the Election.