Candidates for Elected Office – Begin the Process Here

Are you thinking about running for elected office, but are not sure how to begin? The following information will help you get started:

• Review the Qualifications for Elected Offices, provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Elections, to determine if you meet all state requirements.
• Review the information on this page.

Each candidate must be qualified to hold an office.

Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Member Requirements

In addition to the general qualifications set forth in T.C.A. § 8-18-101, candidates for the office of Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Member at Large, and District Council Member must also meet the following requirements outlined in the Metropolitan Charter:

Mayor and Vice Mayor

Shall be:

1. At least 30 years of age by the beginning of his/her term; and
2. A resident of Davidson County for at least 3 continuous years preceding his/her election.

Shall continue to reside in Davidson County during the term of office.

Council Member at Large

Shall be:

1. At least 25 years of age by the beginning of his/her term; and
2. A resident of Davidson County for 1 year preceding the commencement of his/her term.

Shall continue to reside in Davidson County during the term of office and shall not, during the term of office, hold another elective or appointive Metro Government office or be employed by Metro Government, except as expressly provided in the Metro Charter.

District Council Member

Shall be:

1. At least 25 years of age by the beginning of his/her term; and
2. A resident of Davidson County for 1 year and a resident of the district for which elected for 6 continuous months preceding the commencement of his/her term.

Shall continue to reside in the district for which elected during the term of office and shall not, during the term of office, hold another elective or appointive Metro Government office or be employed by Metro Government, except as expressly provided in the Metro Charter.

School Board Member Requirements

In addition to the general qualifications set forth in T.C.A. § 8-18-101 and the educational requirements stated in T.C.A. § 49-2-202(a)(4), candidates for the board of education must also meet the following requirements specified in the Metropolitan Charter:

Shall be:

1. A qualified voter of Davidson County;
2. At least 25 years of age by the beginning of his/her term; and
3. A resident of Davidson County for 5 continuous years and a resident of the school district for which elected for 1 year preceding the commencement of his/her term.

Shall continue to reside in the school district for which elected during the term of office.

Shall not, as a candidate for the board or during the term of office, hold other elective or appointive public office.

Qualifications for other local offices may be found in the Metropolitan Charter.

Additional Information

• Review the 2026 Davidson County Election Calendar for significant dates related to the election in which you will be participating.
• Pick up a Nominating Petition at our Main Office, located at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike.
• Secure signatures and addresses of twenty-five (25) registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the office you seek. (We suggest securing fifty (50) signatures and addresses, in case there are issues.) Addresses must match the signer’s residence, as shown on their voter registration.
• Return the Nominating Petition by the qualifying deadline (Refer to Election Calendar) to our Main Office, located at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike.
• Davidson County Election Commission Candidate Residency Challenge Procedures
• Davidson County Election Commission Candidate Petition Signature Challenge Procedures

Important Note

A candidate must file a Statement of Interests with the Tennessee Ethics Commission within 30 days of the last day to qualify as a candidate. Current officeholders must file by January 31 of each year.