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ATLANTA (March 2)– In advance of the 2018 elections, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, political party representatives, and county-level elections officials will host qualifying for all eligible offices. The qualifying period runs from March 5th through 9th from 8 AM until 5 PM except on Monday, the first day, when it opens at 9 AM and Friday, the final day, when qualifying closes at 12 noon.
To qualify, all candidates are required to bring a valid photo ID; provide either a notarized notice of candidacy and affidavit or declaration of candidacy; and pay applicable qualifying fees. A list of qualifying fees for federal and state offices can be found here. State court judges and all local county offices qualify with their local elections superintendent or their applicable party. Candidates for sheriff, coroner, tax commissioner, clerk of superior court, judge of probate court, and local boards of education are required to submit an additional affidavit. A full break-down is available here.
Federal and state candidates for partisan offices qualify with their respective parties in the State Capitol building, meeting separate standards.
Federal and state candidates qualifying with the Democratic Party of Georgia may pay qualifying fees by money order, certified check, campaign check, or personal check made payable to “Democratic Party of Georgia” in Room 230 of the State Capitol Building. The party requires signed affidavits with money orders and certified checks.
Federal and state candidates qualifying with the Georgia Republican Party may pay qualifying fees by money order, certified check, campaign check, or personal check made payable to “Georgia Republican Party” in Room 216 of the State Capitol Building. The party requires submission of the party oath.
Independent candidates, political body candidates, and non-partisan candidates for federal or state offices may qualify at one of four Georgia Secretary of State’s office locations: the Elections Division at 2 MLK Jr. Dr., Suite 802, West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334; the Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217; the 1903 Bartow County Courthouse, 114 West Cherokee Avenue, Cartersville, GA 30120; or the South Georgia Regional Office at 238 East Second Street, Tifton, GA 31794. Candidates should make their checks payable to “Georgia Secretary of State.”
Qualified candidate information for federal and state races can be found on the Secretary of State’s website as it becomes available.
Please note that all campaign finance filings are completed through the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. Their website contains a full listing of campaign reporting forms and requirements.