Political Candidate Interest Form
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Political Candidate Interest Form *
Thinking About Running for Office?
Before you get started, it’s important to understand the qualifications required to run for public office in Tennessee.
General Eligibility Requirements (TCA § 8-18-101)
To qualify for public office in Tennessee, you must meet the following basic criteria:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen and a Tennessee resident
Have lived in the state, county, district, or circuit for the required length of time, as outlined by law
You may be disqualified from holding office if you:
Have been convicted of bribery, larceny, or any other offense deemed "infamous" (unless your rights have been restored)
Owe unpaid public funds from a past official position
Are currently a defaulter to the U.S., state, or county treasury
Are actively serving in the U.S. military or Congress
Hold a paid position with another U.S. state, foreign power, or federal government entity
Vacating Public Office (TCA § 8-48-101)
An office may be declared vacant if:
The officeholder dies or resigns
They move out of their district or become ineligible
Their election is overturned by a court
They are convicted of a crime or found to be mentally unfit
Not Sure Where You Fit?
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or what office might be a good fit, we’re happy to help you explore your options. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started—just a commitment to serving your community and a desire to lead.
The Smoky Mountain Young Democrats are here to support you.
After you submit your form, a member of our Executive Committee will reach out to help guide you through next steps, including any vetting, training, and campaign planning support you may need.