PROVIDENCE, RI - Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea has released the official 2018 How to Run for Office Guide to assist those planning to run for elected office in Rhode Island. The guide provides would-be candidates with the necessary steps, deadlines, and eligibility requirements to run for office in the September 12 primaries and November 6 general election.
"As Secretary of State, I am committed to encouraging all Rhode Islanders to play an active role in our state's future and applaud those who have an interest in serving the public as an elected official," Secretary Gorbea said. "Our guide for candidates contains all of the information they will need to run for office in the state's elections this fall."
This year Rhode Island will hold elections for Statewide and municipal offices, General Assembly, and United States Senator and Representatives in Congress. Potential candidates can download the guide at the Department of State's Elections Portal: sos.ri.gov/assets/downloads/documents/Run-for-Office-Guide-2018.pdf. Hard copies are also available upon request by contacting the Department of State's Elections Division at 401.222.2340.
While Rhode Islanders interested in running for office will declare their candidacy on June 25, 26, or 27, there is an important deadline approaching for candidates wishing to run from a party other than the one they are registered with. Candidates must disaffiliate from their political party by March 29 to run as a candidate from another party. (See page 6 of the guide.)
For more information on the 2018 election cycle or any other information related to elections and voting in Rhode Island, please visit the Rhode Island Department of State's Elections Division online at www.sos.ri.gov/elections or call (401) 222-2340.
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