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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 filing fee or petition in lieu of a filling fee (if applicable) must be filed with the application 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.

All references made below are to the appropriate sections of the Texas Election Code, unless otherwise noted.

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).