Candidate Information

Important Changes for Candidate Filing

Notices of Candidacy may not be delivered by surrogates or staff. Only the candidate may file the notice of candidacy and pay the filing fee in person at the apropriate board of elections. Alternatively, a candidate may have the candidate's signature on the notice of candidacy acknowledged and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgements and administer oaths, in which case the candidate may mail or deliver by commericial courier service the candidate's notice of candidacy to the appropriate board of elections.

New Candidacy Requirement for Sheriff

Candidates for Sheriff

Effective 2021, candidates for sheriff may not file for candidacy if they have been convicted of a felony, even if the felony was expunged. Before filing, candidates must complete several forms and a disclosure statement verifying that they have had no prior felony convictions or expungements. Find the forms and additional information at Sheriffs' Training & Standards Division [NCDOJ]. A person who receives an unconditional pardon of innocence for their felony may file for the office of sheriff or be appointed to that office.

Candidates other than Sheriff

A candidate's prior felony conviction does not preclude holding elective office if the candidate's rights of citizenship have been restored. A felony conviction need not be disclosed if the conviction was dismissed as a result of reversal on appeal or resulted in a pardon of innocence or expungement.

Filing & Petition Information

Municipal Notice of Candidacy

Candidate Signage & Precinct Regulations

If violations regarding the placement or size of campaign signs are observed, contact the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Inspections Division at (336) 727-2830.