Independent candidate deadline draws near

kentucky

Individuals seeking to run as independent, political organization or political group candidates for offices on the ballot in the November General Election must file their Statement of Candidacy forms no later than April 2 at 4 p.m. local time.

There is no fee to file a Statement of Candidacy. Candidates for federal offices, nonpartisan offices, and partisan city offices in cities of the home rule class are exempt from this requirement.

Potential candidates should contact the Secretary of State’s office or their local county clerks to obtain the necessary paperwork. The following offices that file with the Secretary of State and are scheduled for a regular election in 2018 require the filing of a Statement of Candidacy for independent candidates:

— State Senators in even-numbered districts
— State Representatives

Independent, political organization and political group candidates for these offices must file petitions of nomination no later than August 14. If a potential candidate was required to file a Statement of Candidacy but failed to do so, the Secretary of State and county clerks’ offices cannot accept a petition from the candidate.

For more information, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.ky.gov<http://www.sos.ky.gov>.