Steps to File as a Candidate in Kansas

Each level of public office has unique requirements for filing to be on the election ballot.

To see what each position requires, visit the Kansas Secretary of State website:
https://sos.ks.gov/elections/candidate-information.html

Or for local elections, visit the Johnson County Election Office website:
https://www.jocoelection.org/candidates/how-file 

• DATES:

1. 1. 1. For 2023, the filing deadline is June 1st at noon.
      2. Primary Election date – August 1, 2023 
      3. General Election date – November 7, 2023

• DECLARE YOUR TREASURER:

1. 1. 1. After filing, fill out the form declaring who your treasurer is within 10 days of filing. 
      2. This can be yourself or someone else. 
      3. This can be done online here: https://www.kssos.org/elections/campaign_finance/cfr_online.aspx 

• OBTAIN AN EIN UNDER YOUR CAMPAIGN NAME: 

1. 1. 1. Examples: John Doe For Kansas, Jane Doe for Overland Park Mayor
      2. After filing, it is recommended to register an EIN through the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
      3. You may only process this application during business hours.
      4. Your campaign is considered a Political Organization.

• OPEN A CAMPAIGN BANK ACCOUNT:

1. 1. 1. While you can self-finance a campaign, raising funds is critical and you achieve the best campaign finance protection by using a separate bank account for your campaign.
      2. This bank account will let you link to Anedot, the most common website for political fundraising. 
      3. This allows you to automate collection of required details, such as an individual’s address and employment as their donation level requires.

• FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES:

1. 1. 1. http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAForms/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.html
      2. Here is a campaign finance handbook for candidates: https://ethics.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2022-Campaign-Finance-handbook-updated.pdf

• FILE YOUR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS

1. 1. http://ethics.ks.gov/CFAForms/CFAReportDueDates.pdf 
   2. Campaign finance reports are very simple, but are required on time.
   3. These are filed on the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.kssos.org/elections/campaign_finance/cfr_online.aspx 

The Ethics Commission is VERY helpful for explaining any terms or procedures you are not familiar with. Do not hesitate to call: (785) 296-4219 or email: KGEC_Ethics@ks.gov