The Declaration of Candidacy is the official nomination document, wherein the candidate indicates how his/her name and ballot designation is to appear on the ballot. Additionally, the candidate declares that he/she meets the statutory and/or constitutional qualifications for the office sought, and that if nominated, the candidate will accept the nomination and not withdraw.

The Oath of Office on the Declaration of Candidacy form must be taken and signed by the candidate before a person authorized to administer oaths. The election officials and notaries public are so authorized.

The candidate is required to execute the Declaration of Candidacy in the office of the elections official, unless a written statement is signed and dated by the candidate designating a person to receive the Declaration of Candidacy form from the elections official and deliver it to the candidate. The written statement from the candidate shall include language indicating that the candidate is aware that the Declaration of Candidacy must be properly executed and delivered to the elections official in the county of the candidate’s residence by the 88^th day prior to the general election.

A statement by the candidate describing his or her education and qualifications to be printed in the Voter Pamphlet section of the county Sample Ballot. The statement must be paid for at the time of filing unless the district has agreed to pay for the statement. The statement may be withdrawn by 5 p.m. on the day following the filing deadline. See detailed instructions HERE.

Periodic statements disclosing contributions made to and expenditures made by the candidate or committee. Must be filed at least once and possibly several times during an election cycle if more than $1,000 is being raised or spent including personal funds. See the disclosure requirements here.

May be voluntarily subscribed to by candidates for public office. See the campaign practices pages.

Candidates for school and special district must disclose their interests in real property and income within the past 12 months in a Form 700 to be filed within 30 days of assuming office. Candidates appointed to an office must file 10 days after assuming office.

Candidates for city council are required to file a Form 700 with their Declaration of Candidacy.

The statement is not required if the candidate has filed such a statement within the past 60 days for the same jurisdiction. See the instructions here.