Candidate Qualification Information

CANDIDATE WELCOME LETTER

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in becoming a candidate in the City of Westlake’s 2020 Municipal Election being held March 31, 2020.

The documents and forms below are beneficial and imperative as you begin your campaign for Office of City Council.  This has been prepared to include information regarding laws specific to elections, campaigning, ethics and Florida Sunshine.  Please read the enclosed information thoroughly to ensure full compliance with both State and Local Election laws. 

Also enclosed, you will find qualifying forms which must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk (also referenced as the Filing Officer).  These specific qualifying forms must be turned in during the qualifying period beginning NOON, Tuesday, February 25, 2020 through NOON, Friday, March 6, 2020 for you to be qualified to run for the Westlake City Council and placed on the ballot.

Any qualifying document that is filed, must be an original with signatures made in ink.  Electronic documents or documents with electronic signatures will not be accepted.

The first document that must be filed to become a candidate for office is Form DS-DE 9 – Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates.  PLEASE NOTE: This form must be completed and filed with the Filing Officer BEFORE a campaign bank account is opened.

The next document to be completed, within 10 days is Form DS-DE 84 – Statement of Candidate.  By completing this form, you are confirming that you have been provided access to and that you have read and understand the requirements Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.

If you currently serve on any board, committee, commission for another state, district, county or municipal public office please let the City Clerk know.  There is a Resign-to Run requirement that will be researched by the City Clerk’s office.

In addition to paperwork being filed, in accordance with Florida Statute 99.061(7)(a) an assessment of $120.00 must be paid by check, from your campaign account. 

If you require any assistance with election procedures or completing reports, please do not hesitate to contact the City Clerk’s office.  As it is in the best interest of the City, it is our intent for you to follow the law and understand the process. However, please know that it is your responsibility to ensure the integrity and accuracy of any form you complete, sign and submit.

We look forward to working with you, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the City Clerk’s Office.  When you are prepared to file your qualifying forms during the qualifying period, please contact the Clerk’s Office to make an appointment.

The information below is provided as an additional resource for those interested.  It is suggested, and encouraged that you sit with the  City Clerk, to ensure you have received a FULL and COMPLETE Candidate Qualifying Packet.

Helpful Information - TO ASSIST YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR CAMPAIGN

Candidate Documents - TO BE COMPLETED & RETURNED TO QUALIFY FOR OFFICE

Candidate Documents - TO BE COMPLETED DURING CAMPAIGN AND WILL NEED TO BE REPORTED

Reference Guides - PLEASE REVIEW