§ 5-303. When filed

   (a) In general. -- Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section:

   (1) in the year in which the Governor is elected, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the last Tuesday in February in the year in which the primary election will be held; and

   (2) for any other regularly scheduled election, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the Wednesday that is 83 days before the day on which the primary election will be held.

(b) Special election. -- A certificate of candidacy for an office to be filled by a special election under this article shall be received and filed in the office of the appropriate board not later than 5 p.m. on the Monday that is 3 weeks or 21 days prior to the date for the special primary election specified by the Governor in the proclamation for the special primary election.

(c) Write-in candidate. -- The certificate of candidacy for the election of a write-in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of:

   (1) 7 days after a total expenditure of at least $ 51 is made to promote the candidacy by a campaign finance entity of the candidate; or

   (2) 5 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding the day of the election for which the certificate is filed.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 33, § 5-303; 2002, ch. 291, § 2, 4; 2007, ch. 219; 2008, ch. 118; 2011, ch. 169; 2013, ch. 419, § 3.