Candidate Information

Qualifications

Candidates for office must meet certain qualifications and are required to file specific documents in order to qualify to appear on the ballot. These qualifications and requirements may vary slightly depending on whether the office sought is a local office, a general assembly seat, a statewide office or a federal office. Generally, all candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications.

• A candidate must be qualified to vote for and to hold the office being sought.
• A candidate must have been a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least one year immediately preceding the election.

First Step

Citizens who are interested in running for state or local offices in Virginia should visit the State Board of Elections website for:

• Becoming a Candidate: a step by step guide to becoming a candidate
• Candidate Bulletins: provides information to candidates and prospective candidates about qualification for a particular office, filing requirements and deadlines; where to file the required forms and documents, and other information candidates will need to run for a particular office. The candidate bulletin you should consult will depend on the office you are seeking
• Campaign finance laws and guidance: information for all candidates for office to comply with state laws regarding campaign finance
• Candidate Forms: download forms required to run for various local, state and federal offices
• Campaign Finance Filing: online filing tool for campaign finance forms

State & County Resources

Candidate Information, Forms and Reports may also be obtained by contacting:
Virginia Department of Elections
1100 Bank Street, 1st Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-8901
Toll-Free in Virginia: 800-552-9745
Fax: 804-371-0194

King William County residents needing forms and/or assistance may contact:
Voter Registration and Elections
180 Horse Landing Road 1
King William, VA 23086
Phone: 804-769-4952