Candidate’s Guide for Local Political Subdivisions
Requirements for local offices (municipalities, school districts, other districts) in Texas vary according to the political subdivision. Therefore, you must contact the political subdivision where you are interested in running for office for qualification requirements, filing periods and other relevant information. At a minimum, you will be required to file an application for place on the ballot with your political subdivision.
For general information regarding local elections, please see our outlines for:
- Qualifications for Local Political Subdivisions
- Filing as a Candidate in a Local General Election
- Procedures for Write-in Candidate in a Local Election
- Local Election to fill a Vacancy - Running for an Unexpired Term
- Frequently Asked Questions on Candidacy
- Candidacy for Local Political Subdivisions
- Terms, Qualifications and Vacancies
- Voter Registration for Candidates FAQ
Municipal Elections
In a city election, an application for place on the ballot must be filed with the city secretary. In a special election held by a city, an application for a place on the special election ballot must be filed with the city secretary.
Some municipalities may require their candidates to file a petition with a certain number of signatures along with an application for place on the ballot .
School District Elections
Current state law requires a candidate for trustee of an independent school district to be a qualified voter by the time required by Election Code Section 141.001. An application for place on the ballot must be filed with the secretary of the school district board. In a special election held by a school district, an application for a place on the special election ballot must be filed with the secretary of the school district board.
Other District Elections
For other district elections (i.e. water districts, hospital districts, etc.) an application for place on the ballot must be filed with the secretary of the district board. If the entity is authorized to hold a special election, an application for a place on the special election ballot must be filed with the secretary of the district board.
