WBOB Original Reads

RI Deadline to Declare Candidacy Fast Approaching

6/16/2014

Rhode Islanders thinking of running for political office, and seeking to appear on this year’s ballot must make it official by June 25th, 2014; candidates have from June 23, to June 25, 2014 to file a “declaration of candidacy” form with state and local officials.

Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and statewide General Office must file their form with the Secretary of State’s office, located at 148 West River Street in Providence.
Voters who plan to run for the General Assembly or municipal office must file with the board of canvassers in the city or town where they are registered to vote.

The next important step for candidates happens from July 1 through July 11, when candidates must collect signatures from enough eligible voters to officially put their name on the ballot. The thresholds range from 50 signatures for some municipal offices to 1,000 signatures for U.S. Senate.

This year will see election contests for many municipal offices, General Assembly seats, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and statewide general offices, including all five General Office seats (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, and Attorney General).

Rhode Island’s statewide primary is September 9, 2014, and the general election is November 4th, 2014. For more information on this year’s election, please visit our online Voter Information Center at www.sos.ri.gov/elections