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photo of Jennifer Kinsey, Supervisor of Elections
Suwannee County Supervisor of Elections, Jennifer Kinsey

How to Become a Candidate

Interested in Running for Office?

To become an announced candidate for political office you must:

  1. You must first file with the Supervisor of Elections office a Form DS-DE 9, which provides for an Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository. This must be filed before opening a campaign account and   no contributions are to be received and no expenditures made, or authorizing another to accept contributions or make expenditures on the candidate’s behalf.
  2. Within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE 9, each candidate must file Statement of Candidate Form DS-DE 84 indicating you have received, read, and understand the requirements of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
  3. File periodical campaign treasurer’s reports as outlined in chapter 106.07, Florida Statutes.
  4. Meet specific legal requirements regarding campaign advertising and campaign financing.

Qualifying Procedures

If you choose to qualify by paying a qualifying fee, instead of by the petition method, a campaign check must be written for the total amount of the fee, made payable to Supervisor of Elections.

Candidates must also complete the appropriate Financial Disclosure forms and sign an appropriate Loyalty Oath/Oath of Candidate form.

Qualifying Fees:

  • Major Party Candidates – 6% of the annual salary of the office sought.
  • Nonpartisan Office & Candidates with No Party Affiliation – 4% of the annual salary of the office sought.
  • Minor Party Candidates – 4% of the annual salary of the office sought, unless the minor party chooses to assess the party fee, in which case it will be 6%.