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Filing of candidacy starts July 9
July 9 is the beginning of the filing of nominating petitions and candidacy for the Nov. 6 general election, according to Commonwealth Election Commission executive director Julita A. Villagomez.
She reminded those who want to run for public office this November that government employees who will be candidates will have to take a leave of absence once they are certified.
Elected officials, however, are not required to take a leave once CEC certifies them as candidates.
Villagomez said many usually file their candidacy at the last minute because most of them are government employees.
Aug. 8 is the last day of submission of nominating petitions and candidacy.
For those running for governor and lieutenant governor, the nominating petitions require at least 200 signatures and a $500 fee.
For senator, Villagomez said, the required signatures are 5 percent of the total the number of voters or 100, whichever is less, and a fee of $250.
For the House of Representatives, it’s 5 percent or 50, whichever is less, and a fee of $100.
U.S. delegate and attorney general candidates have to produce 200 signatures and a $500 fee.
For mayor, municipal council, and Board of Education candidates, they need 5 percent signatures or 100, whichever is less. Mayoral candidates are required to pay a $250 fee, while municipal council and Board of Education candidates have to pay $100.
CEC said any recognized political party may nominate candidates by having its chairperson and secretary certify to CEC the names of the party’s candidates by Aug. 8.
CEC said the certification must accompany the nominating petitions.
