Running as a Party Candidate

Affiliated candidates:

If you plan on running as a party candidate, you must be a member of that particular party (Democrat, Republican) or unaffiliated at the time of filing your Declaration of Candidacy.

Independent/Unaffiliated candidates:

You are eligible to file a Declaration of Candidacy as an independent/unaffiliated candidate if, at the time of filing the Declaration of Candidacy, you are qualified to vote in the election within the district for the office which you seek.

The following chart may help you understand your options:

You are eligible to run as a:
If you are registered as: Democrat Republican Independent
Democrat Yes No* Yes
Republican No* Yes Yes
Independent Yes Yes Yes

NOTE: In the preceding chart, “Independent” refers to “unaffiliated”.

* If you belong to one party and want to run as a candidate for another party, you must change your party at least 90 days prior to the date you will file your Declaration of Candidacy.

Disaffiliation

Disaffiliation is when you no longer wish to be a member of a particular political party, you must sign a form to “disaffiliate” from that party. Forms are available at the local boards of canvassers.

  • Do I have to disaffiliate?

    If you want to run as a candidate for a party other than the one to which you belong, the following chart may help you understand your filing options:

    Are you required to disaffiliate if you wish to run as a:
    If you are registered as: Democrat Republican Independent
    Democrat No Yes No
    Republican Yes No No
    Independent No* No* No

    *By declaring to be a candidate in a primary you will then become a member of that party.

    You must disaffiliate at least 90 days before you file your Declaration of Candidacy.

  • When is the deadline to disaffiliate?

    The deadline to disaffiliate is 90 days before the deadline to file a Declaration of Candidacy.

  • Where can I disaffiliate?

    You must disaffiliate with the local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.

    You can also file your disaffiliation by updating your voter registration record online or by downloading a new voter registration form, keeping in mind that a mailed registration form must be received by the disaffiliation deadline.