Heads up, Douglas County politicos: if you're planning to throw your hat into the ring for local office, it's time to cough up some cash. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has just set the price of admission for the 2024 election cycle, and the fees are a bit of a wallet pinch.
In their recent legislative sit-down, required by state law, the commissioners laid down the financial law, pegging the fees candidates must pay to secure their spots on the ballot sheet. According to a Douglas County government release, the fees range from a high of $5,662.19 for aspiring State court judges to a mere $739.87 for those eyeing a seat on the County Board of Education. Qualifying fees, by the way, represent 3% of the annual salary for the position sought—so start saving up, would-be public servants.
If you're looking to make your campaign official, circle March 4 on your calendar. Qualifying opens up at nine in the morning and runs through March 8, though you'll need to check with your party of choice to hammer out the finer details on where to make your run official. And don't dawdle—Douglas County isn't shy about sticking to deadlines.
For those needing more intel on the whole process, or just want to brush up on voting and registration trivia, the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registration is your go-to resource. Hit them up at [email protected] or give them a ring at 404.920.7213, and they'll sort you out with all the info you need. While there may be some sticker shock with the fees, democracy, after all, ain't cheap.
