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Local Election to fill a Vacancy – Running for an Unexpired Term

Candidates seeking to have their name placed on the ballot in a local election for an unexpired term must file a candidate application. Some political subdivisions may also require a filing fee and/or a petition in lieu of a filing fee to be filed along with the candidate application Please note, the application along with the filing fee or petition in lieu of a filling fee (if applicable) must be filed at the same time with the proper filing authority.

For questions about whether the political subdivision ordered an election to fill a vacancy as part of a general election or as a separate special election, please contact the political subdivision.

See our FAQs on Candidacy for answers to frequently asked questions.

Public Office Sought

Filing Authority

Source Law

Municipal/City Elections

City Secretary1

Elec. Code
§ 143.006

School Board

Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board

Elec. Code
§ 144.004

Water District

Secretary of the Board; or agent appointed by the Board

Elec. Code
§ 144.004

Hospital District

Secretary of the Board; or presiding officer if there is no secretary

Elec. Code
§ 144.004

Junior College District

Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board

Educ. Code
§ 130.082(g)

Library District

Secretary of the Board; or presiding officer if there is no secretary

Elec. Code
§ 144.004

Emergency Service District
(Counties under Section 775.0345)

Initial Election: County voter registrar

Health & Safety Code § 775.0345(e)

After that: Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board

Health & Safety Code § 775.0345

Emergency Service District
(More than One County)

Initial Election: County clerk of each county

Health & Safety Code § 775.035(d)

After that: Secretary of the Board; or other person designated by the Board

Health & Safety Code § 775.035

  1. Home-rule city charters may designate another person as the filing authority. (Sec. 143.006(b), Elec. Code).