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MENUMENU
  • HOME
  • WHO WE ARE
    • Erie County Democratic Party
      • Erie County Democratic Party Officers – 2022-2026
        • Amy F. Grubbe, Chairwoman
        • Open – Vice-Chairman
        • Linda Miller-Moore, Secretary
        • MaryAnn Groot, Treasurer
      • Central Committee Members – 2022-2026
      • Executive Committee Members – 2022-2026
        • Responsibilities of Central and Executive Committee Members
      • ECDP Constitution and Bylaws
    • Democratic Women of Erie County
      • Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus (ODWC)
    • The Sandusky Democratic Club
    • The Vermilion Democratic Club
    • Firelands Young Democrats – Join Us!
      • Ohio Young Democrats
    • Erie County Democratic Party Friends
    • Democratic National Committee (DNC)
    • Ohio Democratic Party (ODP)
    • History * Fun Facts * Trivia
      • History: The Democratic Party
      • Ohio History & Trivia
      • How bills become laws in Ohio
      • Kids Fun Facts, Guides & Links to the U.S. Government
    • OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE CHANGE!
  • ELECTED OFFICIALS
    • U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur – Ohio’s 9th Congressional District
    • State Senate – Democratic Minority Leadership – 136th General Assembly
    • State House – Democratic Minority Leadership – 136th General Assembly
    • Erie County Democratic Officeholders
      • Erie County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin J. Baxter
      • Erie County Sheriff Paul A. Sigsworth
    • Teresa Fedor – Ohio State Board of Education-2nd District
    • Ohio Supreme Court Justices
      • Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner
    • Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals Judges
      • Judge Thomas J. Osowik
      • Judge Myron C. Duhart
    • Erie County Common Pleas Court
      • Judge Tygh M. Tone – General Division
      • Judge Beverly K. McGookey – General Division/Probate
    • Municipal Court Judges
      • Judge Erich J. O’Brien
      • Judge W. Zack Dolyk
    • ODP State Committee Members
      • Margaret M. Murray – ODP State Central Committee Woman-2nd Senate District
      • Tom Galloway – ODP State Central Committee Man-2nd Senate District
    • Need to contact the U.S. House or U.S. Senate Legislators?
  • CANDIDATES
    • Candidates Tools
      • Events Calendar (Candidates Only)
      • Canvassing Calendar (Candidates Only)
      • Message Center (Candidates Only)
    • Interested in becoming a candidate?
      • What is involved? What are the requirements to be a candidate?
      • Main Street Initiative & LEAD Ohio Trainings: Run For Office 2024
    • Robert Ritzler – candidate for Sandusky Municipal Court
    • Ohio Governor – 2026
      • Amy Acton – candidate for Ohio Governor
    • Secretary of State – 2026
      • Bryan Hambley – for Ohio Secretary of State
    • IMPORTANT: Ohio Redistricting = Erie County new lines and districts…again
  • NEWS
  • ISSUES
    • Erie County Real Estate Tax Increase
    • Citizens Not Politicians Petition: Stop Gerrymandering
    • YES! The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety
    • YES on Issue 2: An Act to Control and Regulate Adult Use Cannabis
    • Stay up to date on Redistricting Ohio
    • Ohio Minimum Wage
    • SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act
    • Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 = Historic Legislation
      • The American Jobs Plan
      • The American Families Plan
    • The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
    • Know the petition process!
      • How are Issues put on the ballot?
      • Know your ballot issues!
      • Ohio Ballot Board Members
    • Affordable Care Act
    • Ohio Legislature: Workers’ and Unions’ Issues
    • U.S. Supreme Court
      • Test your knowledge!
      • History of SCOTUS
      • SCOTUS 2022-2023 cases to be heard
  • ACTION ITEMS
  • EVENTS
    • Are you ready to vote in 2025?
    • May Day! National Day of Action! Thursday, 5.01.2025
    • The protest heard ’round the world! Saturday, 4.19.2025
    • ECDP Executive Committee
    • ECDP HQ
    • Democratic Women of Erie County
    • The Sandusky Democratic Club
    • The Vermilion Democratic Club! Join Us!
    • DNC election of officers scheduled including candidates forums
    • LEAD Ohio - Candidates and Campaign Staff Trainings
    • Voter Registration Drives
    • Erie County Parades, Festivals and Fair
  • CONTACT US
  • LINKS

What is involved? What are the requirements to be a candidate?

Candidates for progress who commit to being
transparent, accountable and cooperative
with all communities within Erie County!

The 2025 election cycle brings many races.

Erie County races include:

Municipal Court Judge
Deadline for Petitions:
February 5, 2025 | 4:00pm
Primary Election Day:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025

City Commission
Township Trustee
Village Council
State School Board
Local District School Board
Deadline for Petitions: 
August 6, 2025 | 4:00pm
General Election Day:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Are you interested in becoming a candidate?
Do you know someone who would be a GREAT candidate?
What is involved? What are the requirements?
Valuable information is provided below!


for considering to run for elected office
and becoming a valued public servant within our community!

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT GUIDE

Please note that additional information is provided below
specific to judicial candidates.

2025 Candidate Requirement Guide (PDF)
is updated on an annual basis,
contains requirements and guidelines for those
who may decide to run for elected office.
The above publication is available in electronic format only.

For candidates’ forms and petitions, please visit here.

Additional information that may be beneficial:
Campaign Finance Statutes and Administrative Rules

CANDIDATES FORMS AND PETITIONS

For all candidates forms and petitions required to file
as a candidate, please visit here.
Recommendation: A potential candidate should
visit the Erie County Board of Elections for all petitions.
The petitions will have specific instructions for each
office that is up for election that the staff
will review with a potential candidate.

IRS EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN)

Candidate Campaign Committee – How to get an IRS EIN Number: Every campaign MUST have an (1) EIN # to be able to (2) setup a bank account, then (3) submit your Designation of Treasurer to appropriate county board of elections or Secretary of State. Once these three steps are completed, candidate may begin to accept contributions!

Before you go to the IRS link, there are a few things to determine and/or note:

  • Make sure you have determined/decided what the name of your campaign/committee committee will be as you will need to provide it on the form.
    • Example: Friends of ____; Committee to Elect _____. It may be a good idea to include year of election at the end of the campaign/committee name.
  • The form will ask for an address. You should use the candidate’s home address; no P.O. Box.
  • The form will ask if you are going to file Form 8871 under Section 527 of the IRS Code. The answer is NO. Your committee is exempt due to being a political committee.

Here is IRS link:

    • https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
  • Click on APPLY ONLINE NOW box.
  • Click on BEGIN APPLICATION box.
  • Click on VIEW ADDITIONAL TYPES…then continue.
  • Click on POLITICAL ORGANIZATION…then continue.
  • On next page, just click on continue.
  • On next page, click on BANKING PURPOSES…then continue.
  • On next page, you begin to fill in your information.
    • At the bottom of this page, click on I AM RESPONSIBLE…then click on continue.
  • Then just fill in the information. You have a certain amount of time to complete and submit the form. If you do not submit form within the time frame allotted, you just start over again.
  • NOTE: There is a YES or NO question about filing tax return. Local candidates answer this as No. EXCEPTION: If you have campaign funds in an interest-drawing account, then you must file a form with the IRS. If questions about filling tax return, please consult with your attorney or tax consultant.
  • When you submit the form, you will receive your EIN #.
    • Make a copy of the page with your EIN # as you will need a copy for the bank to setup your campaign bank account. You should also keep a copy of the form for your own records.

DESIGNATION OF TREASURER

A campaign cannot accept any donations
until a Designation of Treasurer form is completed
and submitted to the appropriate filing entity –
for local candidates or issues, it would be filed with the
Erie County Board of Elections.
This form may be filed before petitions are filed or
may be filed at the same time petitions are submitted.

The address for the Campaign Treasurer should be used
on the form as the Treasurer will be receiving
letters reminding of campaign finance reports due dates.

Any questions, contact the Erie County Board of Elections.

To print out form, please visit here.
For all campaign forms, please visit here.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (FDS)

In Ohio, the Ohio Ethics Commission requires an FDS to be filed.
The filing deadline for a Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS)
depends on the filer’s role and the election cycle.
The general deadline is May 15th each year. 

The FDS is required for many people, including:
elected officials, candidates for elected office, public employees,
and appointees to public positions. 
The FDS is a way to increase transparency and confidence in government.
It helps public servants identify potential conflicts of interest and
allows citizens to make informed choices about candidates. 

CANDIDATES APPEARING ON A PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT:
Must file not later than the thirtieth day before the earliest election
at which his or her candidacy is to be voted on.

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES:
Must file not later than the twentieth day before the earliest election
at which his or her candidacy is to be voted on.

Once you review the Ohio Ethics Commission FDS page
and your not sure which statement you need to file
or you have any questions about filing deadline,
please contact the Ohio Ethics Commission: (614) 466-7090.

Visit here for link to Ohio Ethics Commission FDS page.

ELECTIONS CALENDAR

The 2025 Elections Calendar (PDF 11×17)
provides dates and information on elections,
campaign finance deadlines and events throughout each year.
Includes Campaign Finance Reporting Dates.
This publication is available in electronic format only.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING CALENDAR

For the 2025 Reporting Calendar with Filing Deadlines,
please visit here.

The Campaign Finance Reporting Calendar contains filing dates throughout the year.
Filing entities submitting reports to a county board of elections
should contact the board for special election dates and other filing deadlines.
See Ohio Revised Code 3517.10 for complete details of the timing
and requirements for most campaign finance reporting.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE FORMS

Click here for Campaign Finance Forms

CAMPAIGN FINANCE HANDBOOK
All chapters revised May 2022

Visit here to view or download the Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook.

The Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook assists all reporting entities
in navigating the various regulatory paths established by Ohio law.
Each of the handbook’s chapters discusses specific entity types or
areas of campaign finance activity and can serve as a map for the reader
to understand each area of regulation and reporting applicable to their circumstance. 
This publication is available in electronic format only.

Local candidates and other political entities may also receive
filing information from their local county board of elections.
To contact the Erie County Board of Elections:
419.627.7601 | E-mail: erie@OhioSoS.gov

FILE REPORTS ONLINE: E-FILING

PLEASE NOTE:
Online Campaign Finance E-Filing with the Secretary of State’s Office
is permitted for those committees that file reports with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Local committees may file all reports with their board of elections OR online.
If you have questions about where you should file your reports,
please contact the Erie County Board of Elections: 419.627.7601.
Here are links for E-Filing:
Campaign Finance E-Filing: Main Page
State E-Filers – File Now
Local/County E-Filers – File Now

CONTRIBUTION LIMIT CHART

The Contribution Limit Chart is adjusted for inflation
in each odd-numbered year.
Current Limit Chart – PDF
EFFECTIVE:
FEBRUARY 25, 2025 – FEBRUARY 24, 2027

The full Adjusted Campaign Contribution Limits Report and
applicable code references have been updated in accordance with Ohio law.

Adjusted Campaign Contribution Limits Booklet
EFFECTIVE:
February 25, 2025 – PDF

 

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES


The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct provides a page – link is here – containing information and resources for judicial candidates, members of judicial campaign committees, and other individuals involved in judicial campaigns or interested in rules applicable to judicial campaign conduct. Please refer to the following links:

This page contains information and resources for judicial candidates, members of judicial campaign committees, and other individuals involved in judicial campaigns or interested in rules applicable to judicial campaign conduct.

The Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct requires all judicial candidates, including incumbent judges, to attend and complete a two-hour seminar on judicial campaign practices. A judicial candidate is required to complete the two-hour training requirement at least one year prior to, or sixty (60) days after, his or her candidacy is certified by the election authority.

The judicial campaign seminars include instruction on ethics rules applicable to judicial campaign conduct, including participation in campaign activities, the content of judicial campaign advertisements, and campaign fundraising activities. The seminar also addresses state law requirements on disclaimers and campaign finance reporting.

The seminars are a collaboration among the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct, the Ohio Judicial College, and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

Judicial candidates are encouraged to bring their campaign treasurer and volunteers to the seminar. The seminars are offered at no cost to attendees, and no preregistration is required. Judges and attorneys attending the seminar receive two hours of continuing legal education credit.

  • 2025 Judicial Candidate Seminar Schedule ~~ NEW
  • ​​2025 Judicial Candidate Handbook ~~ NEW
  • ​2024 Judicial Candidate Seminar Presentation – Board of Professional Conduct
  • ​Campaign Finance Presentation for Judicial Candidates – Ohio Secretary of Stat
  • Judicial Campaign Conduct and Finance Rule
    • The U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, has effectively established an additional exception to the general prohibition against the solicitation of campaign contributions by judicial candidates. See Rule 4.4(A), Code of Judicial Conduct, and AFSCME v. Brunner, et. al., 912 F.Supp. 556 (S.D. Ohio 2012) (Rule 4.4(A) is unconstitutional as applied to judicial candidates who personally solicit campaign contributions from immediate family members).​
  • Contribution Limits for 2024 Judicial Candidate
  • Contribution Limits for 2025 Judicial Candidates ~~ NEW
    • For candidates running for judicial office in 2025 and thereafter
  • ​Campaign Conduct; Enforcement and Sanction Rule
  • Judicial Campaign Misconduct Case Summaries
  • Advisory Opinions Relative to Judicial Campaign Conduct and Fundraising
  • List of Items Exempt from Statutory Disclaimer Requirements
  • Ohio Elections Commission Advisory Opinions
  • Statutory Requirements for Newly Elected or Appointed Judges
    • Oaths, Bonds and Required Documentation
  • Financial Disclosure for Judges, Magistrates, and Judicial Candidates

If you have any questions regarding any of the judicial information above, please refer to the contacts listed below: 

Ohio Board of Professional Conduct
65 South Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
614.387.9370

​Questions re: Canon 4 (campaign conduct and fundraising):

  • Richard A. Dove, Esq., Director
    rick.dove@bpc.ohio.gov
    614.387.9370
  • D. Allan Asbury, Esq., Senior Counsel
    allan.asbury@bpc.ohio.gov
    614.387.9370

​Questions re: Ohio Elections Laws (campaign finance reporting and disclaimers):

  • Erie County Board of Elections
    • 419.627.7601 – Main
    • E-Mail: erie@OhioSoS.gov
  • Ohio Secretary of State /Campaign Finance Division
    • General E-Mail: Contact Us
  • Heather Moore-Kester
    Deputy Campaign Finance Administrator
    614.696.8759
    HMooreKe@OhioSoS.gov
  • ​Alexxis Palumbo
    Campaign Finance Administrator & Counsel
    614.696.3111
    APalumbo@OhioSoS.gov

QUESTIONS?

If any questions concerning any of the above information,
please contact the Erie County Board of Elections
2900 Columbus Avenue, Room 101, Sandusky 44870
419.627.7601 | erie@OhioSoS.gov
or
the appropriate contact provided above for Judicial candidates.

Do you have questions about voting?

Check out: www.IWill Vote.com

Ohio Voter Eligibility and Residency Requirements

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Voter Registration Form (PDF)

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Recent News

  • Early Voting for Primary has started! Check your registration status!
  • Good Trouble! Protests planned in Erie County
  • SPEAK UP! Let your legislators know your opinion!
  • Election of DNC Officers scheduled including four candidates’ forums
  • Recycling candidates’ signs and wires
  • Election Day Voting – Tuesday, 11.05.2024
  • Are you confused about the the property valuation tax increase?
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Pages

MENUMENU
  • HOME
  • WHO WE ARE
    • Erie County Democratic Party
      • Erie County Democratic Party Officers – 2022-2026
        • Amy F. Grubbe, Chairwoman
        • Open – Vice-Chairman
        • Linda Miller-Moore, Secretary
        • MaryAnn Groot, Treasurer
      • Central Committee Members – 2022-2026
      • Executive Committee Members – 2022-2026
        • Responsibilities of Central and Executive Committee Members
      • ECDP Constitution and Bylaws
    • Democratic Women of Erie County
      • Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus (ODWC)
    • The Sandusky Democratic Club
    • The Vermilion Democratic Club
    • Firelands Young Democrats – Join Us!
      • Ohio Young Democrats
    • Erie County Democratic Party Friends
    • Democratic National Committee (DNC)
    • Ohio Democratic Party (ODP)
    • History * Fun Facts * Trivia
      • History: The Democratic Party
      • Ohio History & Trivia
      • How bills become laws in Ohio
      • Kids Fun Facts, Guides & Links to the U.S. Government
    • OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE CHANGE!
  • ELECTED OFFICIALS
    • U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur – Ohio’s 9th Congressional District
    • State Senate – Democratic Minority Leadership – 136th General Assembly
    • State House – Democratic Minority Leadership – 136th General Assembly
    • Erie County Democratic Officeholders
      • Erie County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin J. Baxter
      • Erie County Sheriff Paul A. Sigsworth
    • Teresa Fedor – Ohio State Board of Education-2nd District
    • Ohio Supreme Court Justices
      • Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner
    • Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals Judges
      • Judge Thomas J. Osowik
      • Judge Myron C. Duhart
    • Erie County Common Pleas Court
      • Judge Tygh M. Tone – General Division
      • Judge Beverly K. McGookey – General Division/Probate
    • Municipal Court Judges
      • Judge Erich J. O’Brien
      • Judge W. Zack Dolyk
    • ODP State Committee Members
      • Margaret M. Murray – ODP State Central Committee Woman-2nd Senate District
      • Tom Galloway – ODP State Central Committee Man-2nd Senate District
    • Need to contact the U.S. House or U.S. Senate Legislators?
  • CANDIDATES
    • Candidates Tools
      • Events Calendar (Candidates Only)
      • Canvassing Calendar (Candidates Only)
      • Message Center (Candidates Only)
    • Interested in becoming a candidate?
      • What is involved? What are the requirements to be a candidate?
      • Main Street Initiative & LEAD Ohio Trainings: Run For Office 2024
    • Robert Ritzler – candidate for Sandusky Municipal Court
    • Ohio Governor – 2026
      • Amy Acton – candidate for Ohio Governor
    • Secretary of State – 2026
      • Bryan Hambley – for Ohio Secretary of State
    • IMPORTANT: Ohio Redistricting = Erie County new lines and districts…again
  • NEWS
  • ISSUES
    • Erie County Real Estate Tax Increase
    • Citizens Not Politicians Petition: Stop Gerrymandering
    • YES! The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety
    • YES on Issue 2: An Act to Control and Regulate Adult Use Cannabis
    • Stay up to date on Redistricting Ohio
    • Ohio Minimum Wage
    • SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act
    • Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 = Historic Legislation
      • The American Jobs Plan
      • The American Families Plan
    • The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
    • Know the petition process!
      • How are Issues put on the ballot?
      • Know your ballot issues!
      • Ohio Ballot Board Members
    • Affordable Care Act
    • Ohio Legislature: Workers’ and Unions’ Issues
    • U.S. Supreme Court
      • Test your knowledge!
      • History of SCOTUS
      • SCOTUS 2022-2023 cases to be heard
  • ACTION ITEMS
  • EVENTS
    • Are you ready to vote in 2025?
    • May Day! National Day of Action! Thursday, 5.01.2025
    • The protest heard ’round the world! Saturday, 4.19.2025
    • ECDP Executive Committee
    • ECDP HQ
    • Democratic Women of Erie County
    • The Sandusky Democratic Club
    • The Vermilion Democratic Club! Join Us!
    • DNC election of officers scheduled including candidates forums
    • LEAD Ohio - Candidates and Campaign Staff Trainings
    • Voter Registration Drives
    • Erie County Parades, Festivals and Fair
  • CONTACT US
  • LINKS
Donate Now

© 2025 Erie County Democratic Party, All Rights Reserved

Paid for and authorized by the Erie County Democratic Party, Amy F. Grubbe, Chairman

P.O. Box 135, Sandusky, OH 44871-0135.

Not authorized by any Federal, state or county candidate or campaign committee.