Candidate Resources

The following information provides interested parties with the tools they need to see if they qualify to become a candidate and file a candidate packet. Please also note the important dates listed that are related to filings, withdrawals and Election Day.

Qualifications for Elected Officials

(Section 3.2, City of Cleburne Charter)

• Shall possess the qualifications of an elector; and
• Shall be a citizen of the United States; and
• Shall be a resident of the City for at least twelve (12) months prior to Election Day; and
• Shall not be in arrears in the payment of any taxes or other liability due the City

Terms of City Council

(Section 3.2, City of Cleburne Charter)

• The Councilmember and Mayor shall hold office two (2) years, respectively and until their successors are elected and have been qualified.
• All general elections for mayor and city council members shall be held on such date as is prescribed by State Law and the City Charter not in conflict herewith. Two (2) councilmembers and a mayor shall be elected for a two (2) year term each even-numbered year. Two (2) councilmembers shall be elected for a two (2) year term each odd-numbered year.
• The City shall be divided into districts, with councilmembers elected from their respective districts, and the mayor elected at-large.

Any person desiring to have his or her name placed upon the official ballot for any election may do so by filing an Application for a Place on the Ballot with the City Secretary during the designated filing period.

2023 General Election

Applications for Place on the Ballot may be filed during the following dates and times:

• January 18, 2023 at 8:00 am through February 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm

The last day to withdraw as a candidate is February 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Drawing for place on the ballot will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 9:00 am at City Hall, located at 10 N. Robinson St.

Candidate applications may be turned into City Hall, emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 817-556-8848 by the deadline. 

See the official notice of deadline to file and drawing on the Election Page.

Candidate Packet

View the Candidate Pre-Filing Packet here.

The complete candidate packet is as follows:

• Introduction Letter from City Secretary
• Agency References
• Council Meeting Information
• Single Member District Map
• City Charter & Code of Ordinances
• Annual Budget
  
• Annual Financial Report
  
• Public Information Request Form
  
• Election-Calendar
  
• Conflict of Interest Guide, Gifts
  
• Nepotism Guide, Chart
  
• Becoming a City Official Guide
  
• Application for a Place on the Ballot
  
• Political Advertising: Guide, Brochure, TxDOT, TEC
• City's Campaign Sign Policy
• Political Fundraising Guide
  
• Poll Watchers Guide, Form, Required Training
  
• First Steps for Candidates Running for a City Office
  
• Campaign Reporting Filing Schedule
  
• Fair Campaign Practices Guide, Form
  
• Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns
  
• Campaigns Finance Guide
  
• Treasurer Appointment Guide, Form
• Treasurer Appointment Amendment Guide, Form
  
• Campaign Finance Report Guide, Form, Correction
  
• Daily Pre-Election Report Guide, Form, Correction
  
• Unexpected Contributions Guide, Form
  
• Specific-Purpose Committee Campaign Finance Guide, Form, Correction

Campaign Finance Reporting Due Dates

• First Report Due (30th day before election):  April 6, 2023
• Second Report Due (8th day before election):  April 28, 2023
• If filed modified reporting and exceed $1,010 in receipt/expenses:  Immediately 
• Semiannual Report Due:  July 17, 2023 (only if C/OH-FR has not been filed following election)
• Semiannual Report Due:  January 16, 2024 (only if C/OH-FE has not been filed following election)