Requirements to run for publicoffice in the state of Texas

We have been researching the requirements to run for public office. The process took longer than expected. I am posting it tonite instead of Monday as the deadline for filing for Maud city council is Friday, February 28, 2014 at 5:00 pm. You must go to city hall during regular business hours to file.

To run for office in a general law city in Texas, you must, among other requirements:

·         be a citizen of the United States;

·         be at least 18 years old on the date of the election; and

·         have lived in the State of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the filing date for the election, and in your city or ward for at least 6 months prior to the filing date for the election.

Certain offices and certain city types have additional requirements in state law, so you should be sure to check with both the city and the Texas Secretary of State’s office to ensure that you are eligible. A home rule city may set different requirements in its charter, so check with your city clerk or secretary on whether additional or different requirements apply.

To run for city office, you must file an application with the city secretary. The application

includes information required by the Texas Election Code and must be filed according to the

deadlines set by that code.

For additional election information visit

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/SDocs/ELECTIONCODE.pdf