Candidate Packet 2024
Notice to Prospective Candidate
Thank you for your consideration to offer your services to the citizens of Jamaica Beach by becoming a candidate in the May 4, 2024 Municipal Election. In an effort to inform you of dates that will be important to you and your obligation to comply with certain applicable state statutes and local ordinances, a candidate’s packet has been prepared with the necessary forms and pertinent instructions. Please contact the City Secretary to obtain the candidate packet.
Be advised that the first thing a person who plans to run for City Council must do is appoint a campaign treasurer and file the required Texas Ethics Commission, Campaign Treasurer Appointment with the City Secretary.
The Election Code defines candidate as "a person who knowingly and willingly takes affirmative action for the purpose of gaining nomination or election to public office or for the purpose of satisfying financial obligations incurred by the person in connection with the campaign for nomination or election." A person becomes a candidate when a public announcement or statement is made of an intent to run for office, soliciting support by letter or other mode of communication, accepting campaign contributions or making campaign expenditures, or an application is filed for a place on the ballot.
I encourage you to read the materials prior to filling out the specific forms and contact me should you have any questions at rquintero@jamaicabeach.tx.gov or 409-737-1142.
Sincerely,
Robert Quintero
City Secretary
Candidate Useful Links
- Application for Place on the Ballot - Obtain an Application for a Place on the Ballot. The loyalty oath is included on this form and must be signed in the presence of a notary.
- The application must be filed with the City Secretary, starting January 17, 2024 thru February 16, 2024.
- City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am to Noon.
- City Hall will be open on February 16, 2024 until 5:00pm to accept applications.
- Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate - Instruction Guide
- Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate - Form CTA - This form must be filed before you may accept a campaign contribution; make or authorize a campaign expenditure, including an expenditure from your personal funds and/or submit your Application for a Place on the Ballot.
- Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report - Instruction Guide
- Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report - Form C/OH - This form is to be filed with the City Secretary on dates specified on the form. There is a modified reporting statement for those candidates not planning to spend more than $500, which is attached to the Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (reference above).
- Chapter 258, Election Code, Fair Campaign Practices Act - Subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary; however, you are encouraged to do so.
- Code of Fair Campaign Practices - Form CFCP - This form is to be filed with the City Secretary upon submission of the Campaign Treasurer Appointment form.
- Texas Ethics Commission Filing Schedule for Reports - This Texas Ethics Commission link provides the filing schedule dates of when pre-election and semiannual reports are due.
- The following links pertain to political advertising. Please read carefully.
- Important Dates for 2024 Election
Filing Dates
- The application must be filed with the City Secretary, starting January 17, 2024 thru February 16, 2024.
- City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am to Noon.
- City Hall will be open on February 16, 2024 until 5:00pm to accept applications.
Review Process
- Each application must be carefully reviewed to determine whether it complies with the Election Code requirements as to content.
- Please file your application as soon as practicable to allow sufficient time for this review.
Special Notes
Please make special note of the next two paragraphs of information.
Title 15 of the Texas Election Code pertains to campaign contributions and expenditures. Financial reports (forms included as referenced above) must be completed by the candidate’s campaign treasurer (but signed only by the candidate) and filed in the City Secretary's office. I cannot over emphasize the importance of adhering to the financial reporting procedures. Campaign reports are considered open records and will be viewed as such by reporters and opponents alike.
Should you have any questions regarding the reporting procedures, contributions or expenditures, please call the Texas Ethics Commission, Disclosure Filings Division at 512.463.5800 for assistance or visit the Texas Ethics Commission website. The duties of the City Secretary are limited to accepting and filing the various applications, affidavits and statements, and noting the date and time of filing thereon.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the City Staff at 409-737-1142.