Running for Office

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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 requirements:

A candidate must be qualified to vote for and 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.

Becoming an Albemarle County Candidate

Read the Candidate Bulletin for the office sought.
Complete the Certificate of Qualification form. File this form after January 1 of the election year but before the filing deadline for the election.
Review the Laws and Policies for Campaign Committees and complete the necessary Campaign Finance documents.
Complete the appropriate Statement of Economic Interest form:
- Local candidates submit this Statement of Economic Interests form to the General Registrar.
Complete the Declaration of Candidacy and Petition forms. [not required if you are being nominated by a party] File these two forms together no later than the filing deadline for the election.
- Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Clerk of Court may be nominated by their party or run as independent candidates.