FREEDOM CORNER: How to Run for Local Elected Office in CT

Running for local office in Connecticut, including towns like Goshen and Torrington, involves several steps governed by state law and local party rules. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering nomination, petitioning, and write-in options, with a focus on what to do if you lose a caucus.

1. Basic Qualifications

• You must be an elector (registered voter) in the municipality where you seek office.

2. Getting on the Ballot: Main Pathways

A. Party Nomination (Caucus)

• Most local candidates are nominated at a party caucus (Democratic or Republican), typically held in July of odd-numbered years before the November municipal election. If you win the caucus, your name will appear as the party’s nominee on the ballot.

B. Forcing a Primary (If You Lose the Caucus)

• If you seek a major party nomination but lose at the caucus, you may still force a primary by petition.
• To do so, you must collect signatures from registered party members in your town. The required number is typically 5% of the party’s registered voters in your district.
• Petition forms are available from the Registrar of Voters or Town Clerk. Deadlines are strict - petitions must be filed well in advance of the primary (usually in July/August).
• If you win the primary, you become the party’s nominee.

C. Petitioning Directly to the General Election Ballot (Unaffiliated/Minor Party)

• If you are not running as a major party candidate, you may petition to appear on the general election ballot as an unaffiliated or minor party candidate.
• You must gather signatures from registered voters in your town. The number required varies by office and town size.
• Petition forms and signature requirements are available from the Connecticut Secretary of State or Town Clerk.
• If your petition is successful and verified, your name appears on the ballot as an unaffiliated or minor party candidate.

3. Write-In Candidacy (If You Lose or Miss Other Deadlines)

• Connecticut allows write-in candidates for local office, but you must register as a write-in candidate for your votes to count.
• Registration Process:
  • File a "Registration of Write-In Candidacy" form with the Secretary of the State.
  • The form requires your name, address, office sought, term, and a statement of consent.
  • Registration opens 90 days before the election and closes at 4:00 p.m. on the 14th day before the election
  • You cannot register as a write-in candidate for an office if you are already nominated by a party or by petition for that office
• Votes for unregistered write-in candidates are not counted.

5. Additional Considerations

• Campaign Finance: All candidates must comply with Connecticut’s campaign finance laws. Register with the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) and file required reports.

Summary Table: Ballot Access Options