For individuals interested in running for elected office.
*The deadline to file for candidacy for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary is February 24, 2026 by 9:00pm.
A Certificate of Candidacy must be completed and filed in-person in our office. Learn more about filing for candidacy by visiting the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
If you are interested in filing for candidacy, you can call our office at 410-396-5574 to schedule an appointment.
Requirements for Filing Candidacy
| Office Sought | Filing Location | Campaign Account Required | Financial Disclosure Required | Filing Fee Required |
State's Attorney | City | Yes | Yes-State | $150 |
Clerk of the Courts | City | Yes | Yes-State | $150 |
Register of Wills | City | Yes | Yes-State | $150 |
Orphans Court Judge | City | Yes | Yes- (2) Judicial | $150 |
Sheriff | City | Yes | Yes-State | $150 |
Board of Education | City | Yes | Yes-Bd.-Ed. | $25 |
Party Offices
| Office Sought | Filing Location | Campaign Account Required | Financial Disclosure Required | Filing Fee Required |
Central Committee | City | No | No | $10 |
Qualifications for Filing Candidacy
| Office Sought | Age | City Citizen/Resident | District Resident | Term of Office | Additional Qualifications |
State's Attorney | | | Subdivision 2 years | 4 years | Member-Maryland Bar |
Clerk of the Courts | | | | 4 years | |
Register of Wills | | | | 4 years | |
Orphans Court Judge | | | Subdivision 1 year | 4 years | |
Sheriff | 25 | 5 years | Reside within subdivision | 4 years | |
Board of Education | | | | Vary | Contact City |
*Central Committee | | | | 4 years | Specified by Party's bylaws |
*Party Offices