Procedures for Write-in Candidate in a Local Election
In most political subdivisions, a candidate may run for office as a declared write-in candidate. A declared Write-in Candidate must submit a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy and submit a filing fee or petition in lieu of a filing fee, if required by the political subdivision. Please note, the declaration along with the filing fee or petition in lieu of a filling fee (if applicable) must be filed at the same time with the proper filing authority.
- Filing Period
- May 4, 2024 Uniform Election: The Declaration of Write-in Candidacy, along with any required filing fee or petition, must be submitted no earlier than Wednesday, January 17, 2024 and no later than 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2024. (Secs. 144.006(b), 146.054(b), 146.055, Election Code; Secs. 11.056, 11.304, 130.0825, Education Code; Sec. 326.0431, Local Government Code; Sec. 285.131, Health and Safety Code; and Secs. 36.059, 49.101, 63.0945, Water Code).
- November 5, 2024 Uniform Election: The Declaration of Write-in Candidacy, along with any required filing fee or petition, must be submitted no earlier than Saturday, July 20, 2024 and no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024. (Secs. 144.006(b), 146.054(b), 146.055, Election Code; Secs. 11.056, 11.304, 130.0825, Education Code; Sec. 326.0431, Local Government Code; Sec. 285.131, Health and Safety Code; and Secs. 36.059, 49.101, 63.0945, Water Code).
- Candidate Application
- In order to become a write-in candidate for a local pollical subdivision, a candidate must file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (PDF) with the filing authority for the political subdivision, as appropriate (see chart).
- The delivery, submission, or filing of an application with an employee of the filing authority at the authority’s usual place for conducting official business constitutes filing with the authority. (Sec. 1.007).
- Filing Fee or Petition in Lieu of a Filing Fee (if required)
- Most local political subdivisions DO NOT require a filing fee or petitions for an application for a place on the ballot.
- If required by the political subdivision, the application must be accompanied by either a filing fee or a petition for a place on the ballot (PDF) signed by a certain number of qualified voters.
- For details on the filing fee amount or number of petition signatures needed, contact the filing authority of the political subdivision.
- Withdrawal
- A candidate may withdraw their application and have their name omitted from the ballot by submitting a notarized Certificate of Withdrawal (PDF) or a notarized letter to the same filing authority.
- The deadline for a candidate to submit their withdrawal is:
- May 4, 2024 Uniform Election: 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024
- November 5, 2024 Uniform Election: 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024
See our FAQs on Candidacy for answers to frequently asked questions.
| Public Office Sought |
Filing Authority |
Source Law |
|---|---|---|
Municipal/City Elections |
City Secretary1 |
Elec. Code |
School Board |
Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board |
Educ. Code |
Water District |
Secretary of the Board; or agent appointed by the Board |
|
Hospital District |
Secretary of the Board; or presiding officer if there is no secretary |
Health & Safety Code § 285.131 |
Junior College District |
Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board |
Educ. Code |
Library District |
Secretary of the Board; or presiding officer if there is no secretary |
Loc. Gov. Code |
Emergency Service District |
Initial Election: County voter registrar |
Health & Safety Code § 775.0345(j) |
After that: Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board |
Health & Safety Code § 775.0345 |
|
Emergency Service District |
Initial Election: County clerk of each county |
Health & Safety Code § 775.035(i) |
After that: Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board |
Health & Safety Code § 775.035 |
