Filing for Office

What a Candidate Should Expect When Filing for Office

A Board of Elections staff member will work with each candidate to verify eligibility to file.
Filing paperwork will be completed and notarized (photo ID will be required for notarization).
The candidate will pay a filing fee. Filing fees should be paid in the form of a check or money order. Business or corporate checks and credit cards not accepted. Filing fees $50 or less may be paid in cash; exact change required.
The candidate will have an opportunity to sit with a staff member to discuss establishing a candidate committee for campaign finance purposes.
Candidates will be provided a packet containing information pertinent to running for office.

Municipal Candidate Filing Dates: Monday, July 7, 2025 – Friday, July 18, 2025, at noon.
Municipal Candidate Withdrawal Deadline: The deadline to withdraw a notice of candidacy and receive a refund (partisan and non-partisan municipalities) is by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Candidates can still withdraw afterward but will not receive a refund.
General Candidate Requirements: A candidate must meet the general candidate requirements for the office sought. Please review general candidate requirements on the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website: General Candidate Requirements | NCSBE

Statewide General Election Candidate Filing Dates: Monday, December 1, 2025 – Friday, December 19, 2025, at noon.
General Candidate Withdrawal Deadline: Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Candidates may withdraw notice of candidacy at any time prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the filing deadline
General Candidate Requirements: A candidate must meet the general candidate requirements for the office sought. Please review general candidate requirements on the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website: General Candidate Requirements | NCSBE