—Pre-Filing vs. Qualifying: Understanding the Difference—
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender held a workshop this week for prospective candidates considering runs for local office in 2026, walking attendees through the complex pre-filing and qualifying requirements that often trip up first-time candidates.
The workshop covered the critical distinction between pre-filing—what Bender calls “testing the waters”—and the actual qualifying period scheduled for June 2026. During the pre-filing phase, candidates can fundraise and gauge support, but they’re not yet officially on the ballot.
- “Once qualifying comes and goes and you’ve submitted all the paperwork to actually be on the ballot, that’s final,” Bender explained in a podcast interview following the workshop. The pre-filing period allows candidates flexibility to pivot or withdraw before making a final commitment.
Common Pitfalls: Banks, Checks, and Timing
One of the most important early steps involves filing a DS DE 9 form appointing a campaign treasurer and establishing a dedicated campaign bank account—before collecting any contributions or gathering petition signatures. Bender warned that candidates who wait until the last minute often discover their bank won’t accept candidate accounts or doesn’t offer starter checks, which are required to pay the qualifying fee.
The workshop also addressed common compliance issues, including advertising disclaimer requirements and the proper formatting for campaign signs. Candidates who aren’t incumbents must include the word “for” between their name and the office they’re seeking to avoid creating a false impression.
- Residency requirements proved another frequent stumbling block, particularly for city council candidates. City charter rules require candidates to have lived in their district and been registered to vote there for a full year before qualifying—a requirement that has disqualified numerous candidates who moved into a district but forgot to update their voter registration.
“That is not the job of my office to validate,” Bender noted, explaining that his office’s role is purely administrative, checking that forms are complete. Residency challenges must be filed with the city clerk for municipal races or with the Florida Elections Commission for other offices.
A Non-Partisan Resource for All Candidates
Bender emphasized his office’s commitment to confidentiality for prospective candidates and non-partisan assistance. Several people who consulted with his office about running for Congress earlier this year ultimately decided against it, and that information never leaked.
- “There is no room for politics in here,” Bender said. “My job is to represent the citizens of Escambia County, make sure that this office runs the way it’s supposed to, that we follow the laws that we’re supposed to, and then that the legal votes get counted.”
The Supervisor of Elections office provides guidance to all candidates regardless of party affiliation, maintaining its reputation as a trusted resource for anyone navigating the electoral process.