Running For Office

The Board of Elections is available to assist you with a general overview of information about running for office. The Board highly recommends that you to come into the office and pick up a petition packet that includes all the information needed to run for office. The Office Staff is here to help you go over all the information, to assure you understand the petitioning process.

Candidates who wish to run for public office should visit the NYS Board of Elections website. You will find detailed information on how to become a candidate. You can set up and report on campaign treasury activities, and also find the election law.

Once a decision has been made about running for office, it is the candidate's responsibility to know the selected laws pertaining to elections in New York State.   

• Running for Elective Office in New York State
• Campaign Finance Handbook (PDF) 

Designating Petition Information 

(Must print on legal size 8 1/2" x 14" paper)

• SAMPLE Filling out your Designating Petition and Instructions 2 page(Must Print on Legal Size 8 1/2" x 14" Paper) 
• Petition - Fillable - Designating - Form (Must Print on Legal Size 8 1/2" x 14" Paper)
• Petition - Fillable - Designating with Notary Statement -Form (Must Print on Legal Size 8 1/2" x 14" Paper) 
• Checklist for Candidates carrying Designating Petitions
• Checklist for Carriers of Designating Petitions
• Designating Petition Fillable Cover Sheet
• Required Number of Signatures - Legislative Districts and County Wide
• Required Number of Signatures - Towns and Village of Horseheads

Independent Petition Information

(Must print on legal size 8 1/2" x 14" paper)

• SAMPLE Independent Petition (PDF)
• Petition - Fillable - Independent Nominating Petition Form (Must Print on Legal Size 8 1/2" x 14" Paper)
• Independent Petition Fillable Cover Sheet 
• Master Symbols Book - Independent Party Symbols
• Required Number of Signatures - Independent Party