In order to hold any elected office of the Commonwealth or its governmental units, elective of the people, the candidate must have been a resident of the Commonwealth for one year preceding his election and qualified to vote for that office (Code of Virginia, §24.2-500).

Candidate Information Kits

Individuals interested in serving as candidates for any office in Virginia should contact the Virginia State Board of Elections. Candidate Information Kits for local and state offices are available for downloading from their website, or you can request a kit be mailed to you. The kits include all the instructions and required forms necessary to qualify as a candidate. Candidates seeking nomination from a political party should also contact the respective state, district, or local party chair for their party.

Required Documents

All state and local candidates in Virginia are required to file economic interest, qualification, and campaign committee organization statements in order to qualify to have their names on the ballot. Depending on whether a party nomination is sought, and the method of such nomination, candidates may also be required to file declaration of candidacy statements and petitions of qualified voters. The Candidate Information Bulletin details the specific documents due, and to whom and when the documents are due.

Candidates are also required to file periodic Campaign Contributions and Expenditures reports on a prescribed schedule. This information is also available in the candidate kit.

Additional Information

For more information, contact the State Board of Elections at 804-786-6551 or toll-free in Virginia at 800-552-9745. The Lexington voter registrar can give you information about elective offices in this community.

• Code of Virginia, Chapter 5 of Article 24.2, "Candidates for Office"
• Code of Virginia, Chapter 9 of Article 24.2, "Campaign Finance Disclosure Act"
• Democratic Party of Virginia
• Republican Party of Virginia