Candidate filing will open on February 25, 2025.
Interested candidates can find contest age, residency requirements and all other qualifications here.
If you are filing for a Harford County contest, please call our office (410) 638-3565 to make an appointment. View the candidacy requirements.
If you are filing for a state contest, call the State Board (410) 269- 2840 for more information. View the candidacy requirements.
All candidates must file a candidate information sheet.
You must create a campaign finance account. If you are filing for a Central Committee you can opt out by signing an affidavit at the time of filing stating you will not raise more than $1,000.
You must fill out an Ethics Disclosure for all contest excluding the Central Committee. State contests, County contests, and Board of Education disclosures.
Review the candidacy requirements for payment amounts. We only accept checks.
Candidates that are registered as Unaffiliated must be nominated by petition as a General Election candidate. Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections petition candidacy page for more information.
Candidates that are registered as any recognized party other than the Democrat or Republican parties must be nominated by his or her party as a General Election candidate. Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections for more information.
If you are interested in filing as a write-in candidate for the General Election please view the Write-In Candidate Information Packet. Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections for more information.
Withdrawal – To withdraw you must file a completed Certificate of Withdrawal at the Harford County Board of Elections. Please note: the initial filing fee is non-refundable.
Change of Contest – You must file a completed Certificate of Withdrawal and a new Candidate Information Sheet at the Harford County Board of Elections. Please note: the initial filing fee is non-refundable and an additional filing fee is required for the new contest.
If you are filing and wish to apply to have a name on the ballot that is different than your legal name please complete the Alternate Name Affidavit.