Are you thinking of running for an elected office?
These websites and information can help you get started!
Filing Deadlines & Information
The candidate filing period for city and school offices begins on Monday, August 28th .
- City candidates file with the city clerk.
- School candidates file with the school secretary.
The deadline for candidates to file nomination petitions and affidavits with their respective jurisdictions is Thursday, September 21st at 5 pm.
Signature requirements vary; please check the Auditor’s website or with the relevant city or school.
Candidates are required to file nomination petitions with a specified minimum number of signatures; a candidate’s petition must be accompanied by a notarized affidavit of candidacy. All nomination papers are be filed with the relevant jurisdiction. Completed forms may be delivered in person or mailed.
Candidate forms are available in the Story County Auditor’s office, and on the websites for both Story County and the Secretary of State. The Auditor’s Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit the dedicated City-School Election page on the Story County Auditor’s website: https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/1285/CitySchool-Election-11723
Useful Websites
City Candidates:
From the Secretary of State (NOTE: no cities in Story County are primary election cities): https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/cityelections.html
From the League of Cities: https://iowaleague.org/wp-content/uploads/Candidates-Guide-2023.pdf
School Candidates:
From Secretary of State: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/schoolelections.html
From the Iowa Association of School Boards: https://www.ia-sb.org/school-board-elections
For any local candidate:
Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board
Iowa Department of Management (go to Local Government dropdown menu)
Iowa Auditor of State (audit reports for all jurisdictions)
Story County Auditor Candidate Resources: https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/640/Candidate-Resources
Recorded Events
Running for Office: https://youtu.be/fydfuDEl-uQ
Get on Boards!: https://youtu.be/cCuNSOcW_qg