An important deadline is approaching for anyone seeking an elected county or township office in Michigan.

Major party candidates must file partisan nominating petitions, or a $100 filing fee, no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday. Those candidates who meet the deadline, then change their minds about running, have until 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, to withdraw.

Candidates who submit a valid filing for office will be placed on the Aug. 6, 2024, primary election ballot.

There are many decisions to be made, facts to learn, and plans to be created when considering a run for elected public office. But one critical detail is time sensitive, and that is the deadline to file nominating petitions to get on the ballot.

Those interested in seeking a public office in Michigan should first contact the election official who’s responsible for receiving filings for the specific office sought. For county offices, it’s the county clerk. For township of village offices, it’s the township clerk.

For candidates without a political party affiliation, qualifying petitions are due no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, July 18. Candidates without political party affiliation may not file a $100 filing fee in lieu of qualifying petitions.

Candidates without political party affiliation who submit a valid filing for office will be placed on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

Any candidate who wishes to seek a Republican or Democratic nomination with write-in votes must file a declaration of intent before primary voting begins.