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RUN TO WIN
First, we commend you for even considering this step. Do you have a clear
idea of what you are really getting into? This is going to be an
all-consuming process. But we can help.
Ask yourself why you feel others will want to vote for you. What are your
qualifications and experience? What are your goals if elected? Do you have
or even need a campaign fund?
Here are a few more questions you'll need to answer, and some answers to
questions you might have.
Who are our current local elected officials?
Click here to see a list of all local offices in Sevier County, names of
those who currently hold these offices, and dates when their terms expire.
What offices will be open this election cycle?
Click here to see which offices in Sevier County are up for election or
re-election this time (and who currently holds each office). Open seats are
highlighted in red.
How do you file?
Filing dates vary depending on the race. You will need to check with the
Sevier County Election Commission, which is located in Room 208E of the
Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN 37862-3525.
Telephone: (865) 453-6985. Fax: (865) 429-0376. Website:
http://www.seviercountyelection.com
Filing deadlines for 2005 have past
Please check back soon for 2006 deadlines.
Where do you get the filing forms?
Filing forms must be picked up and signed for at the Sevier County
Courthouse, Sevier County Election Commission office.
What information goes on the filing form?
The filing form requires you to enter your full name and the position you
intend to run for. NO ALTERATIONS are allowed on this form. If you want
to change anything, you MUST obtain a new form.
This information becomes public record. You cannot change your mind later
and run for a different seat. You may, however, later choose NOT to run for that office (with no explanation
required).
What about my petition?
Your petition form must be signed by the Administrator of Elections, a
Deputy, or an Election Commissioner.
DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN THE PETITION YOURSELF.
How many signatures are needed to qualify?
To qualify, you will need a minimum of twenty-five (25) valid signatures of
registered voters who currently reside in the district in which you intend
to run. However, plan to gather many more than just 25, since--if some are
disqualified--you may not qualify to be on the ballot. You should get as
many signatures as possible. It's better to have more than you need than
not enough (to avoid ending up out of the race before it begins).
What is a valid signature?
Each signature must include the signer's residential street address. NO
P.O. BOXES ARE ALLOWED. Every address entered on the petition must be the
same as the address on Voter Registration records for that person. If they
do not match, the signature will be disqualified and will not be counted.
Each signature must be an original. No one may sign for another person
(not even in the case of husband or wife). Everyone must sign individually.
There is a line for the voter's signature and a separate line for the
voter's printed name. Both must be filled out.
What about new voter registration?
You will likely want to carry some voter registration forms with you. All
new voters must turn in their registration form 30 days before the election.
NOTE: These new voters MAY NOT sign your petition (although they can, of
course, vote for you in the election).
How can the Sevier County Democrats Club help you?
We want to invite you to visit our club. If you've made your final
decision to run for office, you can test-drive your campaign speech on us,
see what kind of reception you get, and obtain helpful feedback from our
members. We also may have members who will want to work with you in your
campaign.
To contact us, click here.
Good luck!
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