Q1. How do I get started?
A1. The Secretary of State's office has assembled candidate packets that include information on qualifications, Campaign and Political Finance (CPF) guidelines and forms, sample candidate petitions, and other filing forms required by state law. These packets are available free of charge and can be accessed online. Learn how to run for office (PDF). Or you may contact our office to receive your candidate packet.
Q2. Where do I file for candidacy?
A2. Whether you are running for a municipal, county, state, or federal office will determine where you need to file documents relating to your candidacy.
Candidates for municipal office should contact the municipal clerk in the city or town where they are running for office.
Candidates for county office should contact the county clerk and recorder.
Candidates for any state office greater than a county should contact the Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State .
Finally, candidates for federal office should contact the Federal Election Commission for information on federal filing requirements.
Q3. When do I file for candidacy?
A3. Colorado does not have set filing deadlines that apply to all candidates. Filing deadlines are determined based on:
- When your campaign efforts officially begin as defined in the Campaign and Political Finance (CPF) and Fair Campaign Practices Act (FPCA); and
- The method you select to get your name on the ballot. (Whether through the nomination, petition, or write-in process.)
The best resource to help circle important dates relating to your candidacy is the Elections Calendar.
Q4. What resources are available to help me learn about the requirements of the Campaign and Political Finance Act & the Fair Campaign Practices Act?
A4. A good starting point, is reviewing the free training manual (PDF) developed by the Election Division of the Secretary of State's office. This manual details the requirements under the CPF and FCPA, and includes deadlines as well as the required forms that you will need to file for your campaign.
Our office also conducts trainings year-round and throughout the state on the requirements of the CPF and FCPA. For information on when a training is offered near you, please contact the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office.
Q5. How do I find out what Congressional, State Senate, and State House Districts I live in?
A5. To find this information, visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov and select "Find My Registration." You can also contact your local county clerk and recorder.
Q6. How do I verify my status and affiliation as a registered voter?
A6. You can find all of this information by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.gov and clicking on "Find my registration". You may also contact your local county clerk and recorder who can access this information.
Q7. After declaring my candidacy, can I withdraw?
A7. Yes. To properly withdraw your candidacy, you must file a letter of withdrawal with the designated election official. Depending on what office you are running for, this may either be the Secretary of State, county clerk, or the city or town clerk.
Note: To ensure your name is removed from the ballot, and sufficient time is allocated for vacancy nominations, please submit your letter of withdrawal no later than 68 days before the Primary or General Election.