Declaring Your Candidacy

The Declaration of Candidacy is the document you sign to start the process of becoming a candidate. You “declare” yourself as a candidate for a particular office and if you wish to run as a party candidate, you also “declare” yourself to be a member of that party. All candidates for all public and party offices must file a Declaration of Candidacy.

  • How do I file my Declaration of Candidacy form?

    Complete the form online and print it out. You must then sign it and deliver or mail your signed form.

    Declarations of Candidacy must contain original signatures. Your completed form cannot be faxed or emailed.

  • When do I need to file my Declaration of Candidacy?

    You must file your Declaration of Candidacy on the last Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in the month of June of the election year.

  • Where do I file my Declaration of Candidacy form?
    Candidates for: File your Declaration of Candidacy at:
    Federal Public Office:
    		 Department of State’s Elections Division
    148 W. River Street, Providence, RI.
    Statewide Public Office:
    		Department of State’s Elections Division
    148 W. River Street, Providence, RI.
    General Assembly Office:
    		 Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.
    Local Public Office:
    		 Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.
    General Assembly Party Committee Office:
    		 Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.
    Local Party Committee Office:
    		 Local Board of Canvassers in the city or town where you are registered to vote.

    * Contact your local board of canvassers for a full listing of local public offices in your city/town.

  • Can I file a Declaration of Candidacy form for more than one office?

    You cannot file a Declaration of Candidacy for more than one public, state or local office in a primary or election.

    However, if you file for a state or local public office, you can still file for state or local party offices. Party offices are offices elected in a primary. You must file a separate Declaration of Candidacy for every office you seek.

    Example: You may file a Declaration of Candidacy as a Democrat for representative in General Assembly and another Declaration of Candidacy as a Democrat for Democratic representative district committee.

    Additionally, you may NOT file for the same office under different party labels.

    Example: You may NOT file a Declaration of Candidacy for senator in General Assembly as a Democrat and file a Declaration of Candidacy for senator in General Assembly as an independent/unaffiliated candidate.

    If a voter files a Declaration of Candidacy for more than one state or local public office during the declaration period, the last declaration filed shall negate any previous filings.

  • If I am an independent/unaffiliated voter, and file a Declaration of Candidacy as a party candidate, does that automatically make me a member of that party?

    Yes.

    If you are an independent/unaffiliated voter and file a Declaration of Candidacy as a Democrat, you are automatically recorded as a member of the Democrat Party. Filing a Declaration of Candidacy is sufficient to bind you to that party even if you do not circulate nomination papers or you do not vote in the primary.