Preparing to File for Public Office

Candidates desiring to run under the Democratic or Republican parties file petitions according to the their respective schedules. Candidates for Township and Village Offices file petitions with the Township Clerk. Candidates for County Offices file petitions with the County Clerk. Petitions and Affidavit of Identity forms are available from the County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (8 am to Noon and 1 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday).

County candidates may file a $100 filing fee if they desire. In that case, only an Affidavit of Identity is required. The filing fee is returned following the Primary Election to the two top vote-getters of each party for the particular office.

The petitions to be used by County Officers, (Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, et al) are entitled "Countywide Partisan" and can be used anywhere within Montcalm County.

County Commissioner candidates must use "City/Township Partisan" petitions. Please be sure the petitions used are current (2002). Petition forms that are not current will not be accepted. Affidavit of Identity forms must also be current (2006 - if available).

Candidates desiring to run for office under a "Minor Party" label (Libertarian, Green, et al) must be nominated by a party caucus or convention. Following the caucus, the Secretary of the Caucus provides the candidate with the Statement of Nomination to be filed with the Affidavit of Identity. Candidates desiring to run with "No Party Affiliation" must circulate petitions entitled "Qualifying Petition - Countywide," which is used for County Officers and State Legislative positions or "City/Township", which is used for County Commission or Township seats. The calendar above indicates the filing date and the chart below indicates the number of signatures required. Candidates who file Qualifying Petitions will not appear on the Primary Ballot. On the General Election ballot, such candidates will be listed following all candidates with party affiliations. "Independent" is not a recognized party in the State of Michigan.