How a Citizen Becomes a Candidate

This is a very necessary part of our election process to give us choices as to who we will put on the ballot, and requires the least amount of effort by the voting public, so make sure you sign their petitions!!  It’s NOT a vote for that candidate. But it will get them in the PRIMARY on August 26^th, 2014. Unless of course you like the way things are going in our government today.

This is a very quick explanation of the process. Florida Congressional Districts 4 and 5 as examples as their filing date is coming right up on March 31^st. 

Petitions are attached for Ryman Shoaf (District 4), and Glo Smith (District 5):

RymanShoafPetition2.pdf      Glos petitions 2.pdf

Initially any qualified citizen may explore the feasibility of the desired office.  

Qualifications

1. Must be a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years.

2. Must be at least 25 years of age.

3. Must be a resident of the state when elected.

The next step is to qualify by collecting petitions:

One person may not sign multiple petitions for one candidate, however, one person may sign petitions for multiple candidates in their district, regardless of party affiliation.

• Signed petitions (Form DS-DE 104, Candidate Petition (eff. 9/11) are required to be turned in to the Supervisor of Elections by March 31^st of the election year to be verified in the county in which the voter is registered and must have an original signature and date signed by the registered voter for that district. (District 4 requires 4,616) (District 5 requires (4,046) which is 1% of the registered voters. The alternative is to pay $10,600.  If the candidate does not personally have $10,600 they risk being beholden to large contributors. THIS IS WHY THEY NEED YOUR HELP WITH SIGNED PETITIONS!!

For 2014, these deadlines are:

March 31, 2014 – Federal, Judicial, State Attorney and Public Defender

May 19, 2014 – State, Multi-County, County and District (this includes Governor, Cabinet, State Senator, and State Representative)

Supervisor of Elections has until no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 7^th day before the first day of qualifying to submit petitions to the Division of Elections:

April 21, 2014 – Federal, Judicial, State Attorney and Public Defender

June 9, 2014 – Statewide, District and Multicounty

Miscellaneous information: Candidates may pay persons to collection petitions. Petitions may be collected in any public place or government building Section 106.15(4), Florida Statutes. However solicitation of financial contributions is strictly prohibited in a government bldg. Collection of petitions on private property is not addressed in the statute.

DEADLINES FOR PETITIONS TO THE CANDIDATES:

Ryman Shoaf: In the mail - 3/26, or contact Zack @ (904)307-0676, bring them to FCTP, or give them to any Community Group leader by Friday 3/28. 

Glo Smith: In the mail by 3/24, or drop by Glo's office (904) 424-0736 by 3/25.

First Coast Tea Party is a 501c4 and does not endorse candidates. However we do encourage citizens to take part in the election process.