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Seek nomination from political party
If you’re a member of a state-recognized political party, you can be nominated as that party’s candidate in that party’s primary election. First, you will need to meet that party’s requirements to get on the ballot. These are in addition to the state’s qualifications (see Step 3).
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Run as a political organization candidate by petition or nomination
A group is considered a political organization versus a political party if its candidate for governor or president fails to receive 20 percent of the votes in the last general election. If you’re a member of one of these political organizations, you can petition to run as a candidate or be nominated at your organization’s state-sanctioned convention. To do this, you must first meet that organization’s requirements to get on the ballot. These are in addition to the state’s qualifications (see Step 3). If you petition to run, the number of signatures required varies by office and by year. No petition can circulate for more than 180 days between the first and last signature.
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Petition to run as an independent candidate
Petition requirements for independent candidates vary by office and by year. No petition can circulate for more than 180 days between the first and last signature. In addition to petition requirements, you’ll need to meet the state’s qualifications (see Step 3).
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Run as a write-in candidate
Write-in candidates may only run in the general election. You are not required to petition, but there are state qualifications you need to meet (see Step 3).
Run for Public Office
Running for public office requires following a number of key steps.
If you’re interested in running for office, please be aware that information and qualifications may change as we move through different election cycles. You can keep up to date with the latest elections news online or by contacting the Georgia Secretary of State.