Running for Office

STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICES

State and Federal candidates must file at the Maryland State Board of Elections, 151 West Street, in Annapolis. Find out how to file for State and Federal offices by calling 800-222-VOTE (8683) or clicking here.

FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICES

Candidates for Frederick County elected offices will file at our office, located at 340A Montevue Lane, in Frederick.

1. You'll need to complete a candidate packet for the office you're seeking to file. You can download the candidate information sheet here but will pick up the remaining forms at our office. NOTE: The Board of Elections office is open by appointment only. Please call 301-600-8683 or email ElectionBoard@FrederickCountyMD.gov to schedule. Appointments are available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 am and 3 pm. 
2. Once you fill out the packet, you'll make an appointment to file the papers with the Board and pay the filing fee. 
   • The candidate filing fee varies from $10 to $25, depending on the office you're seeking. We accept cash or check for your filing fee. Checks may be made out to the Frederick County Board of Elections.   
   • Make sure you bring proof you have set up a candidate committee in Maryland's Campaign Finance System.  
   • If you're planning to use a nickname, or alternative name on the ballot, you'll need to complete this form. 

While you're welcome to complete these forms when you come to the office to file, you'll save yourself some time if you complete as much as possible in advance.

If you have any questions, please see below, or call our office at 301-600-VOTE (8683) and we'll be happy to help.

Remember the filing deadline is Friday, January 19, 2024 at 9 pm. We'll be open until 9pm that day, but you need to be at our office by 8:30 pm and have an appointment. We expect it will be busy throughout the day, so we recommend that you file before the deadline.