Things to keep in mind about how to file and the nominating process:

Contact Don Mark, DPVA Political Director, dmark@vademocrats.org

Remember to file

1. Statement of Organization for a CANDIDATE- File with the State Board of Elections
2. Certificate of Candidate Qualification- File with the State Board of Elections
3. Declaration of Candidacy- File with the State Board of Elections
4. Petition of Qualified Voters (If Necessary)- File with the State Board of Elections (Statewide, Federal), File with Your Local Nominating Committee (State and Local Gov’t)
5. Statement of Economic Interest- (Federal- FEC, House of Delegates- House Clerk’s Office, Senate of VA- Senate Clerks Office, Local- Local Electoral Board)
6. Any and all forms required by your local Democratic nominating committees- This includes filing fees, candidate declaration forms, petitions, etc…

State Board Information for Local Candidates:

Candidate Campaign Committee.pdf (Summary of Laws & Policies for Local Candidats)

Running for Local Office 2011.pdf  (Covers Candidacy Requirments in Redistricting Year)

For additional information see State Board's website.

Nominating Processes

          The DPVA allows for three different types of methods of nomination under the State Party Plan (available online at www.vademocrats.org): Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions.

Primaries: Conducted by the State Board of Elections, open to all registered voters

Caucuses: 2 Types. Assembled Caucus: Mass Meeting, Unassembled Caucus- “Firehouse Primary”

Conventions: Takes delegates from each locality apportions usually by registered voters and Democratic performance and meets at a large meeting to select Nominee.

Best Practices

1. Do this Early, Do not wait!
2. Get to know your local party leadership.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Votebuilder Van Access

• A candidate must apply for their own Votebuilder Account and must have already filed a statement of organization with the State Board of Elections