Notice to Prospective Candidate

Thank you for your consideration to offer your services to the citizens of West University Place by becoming a candidate in the May 6, 2023 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.

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 (form included in the Documents and Handouts below). 

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 tgilliam@westutx.gov.

Sincerely,
Thelma Gilliam
City Secretary

 

Documents & Handouts

FILING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL HANDOUTS
    
     
Charter Excerpts
 Charter Info regarding Elections and City Council
  
Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer Form
 This form must be completed and turned in to City Secretary before campaigning begins and/or at the same time the application for a place on the ballot is filed with the City Secretary.
 
Instruction for Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer
 Instruction for Filling out the CTA Form
  
Application for Place on the Ballot
    
Instruction for Application for Place on the Ballot
 Instructions for Filling out Application
  
Petition to File for Place on the Ballot
    
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders (PDF)
    
Form CFCP - Code of Fair Campaign Practices (PDF)
 This form may be signed voluntarily. It is not mandatory.
  
Form C/OH - Candidate Officeholder Campaign Finance Report (PDF)
 This form is to be completed by the candidate or the candidate's campaign treasurer (but signed only by the candidate). Instructions on filing finance reports and the final report are in the C/OH Instruction Guide.
  
Form C/OH - Instruction Guide (PDF)
 Instruction for C/OH Form
  
Form to Authorize Release of Personal Email Address (PDF)
    
City's Sign Ordinance
    
Political Advertising: What You Need to Know (PDF)
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​Additional Forms:
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​Report of Unexpended Contributions (PDF)
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​Instruction Guide for Unexpended Contributions (PDF)
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​This form is to be used to report the disposition of unexpended funds.		  

Filing Dates

Filing for a place on the ballot begins January 18, 2023 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on February 17, 2023.  

 

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 can not 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.


Signs

The Texas Election Law requires certain disclosures and notices on political advertising. Please review the political advertising guide and the city’s current Sign Ordinance. There is no permit required for political signs, however, they do not belong:

  • Attached to trees
  • Between the sidewalks and the curbs (street right-of-ways)
  • On utility poles

We ask your discretion in the placing of such signs.


Interest in your municipal government is appreciated and I trust that this will be a positive and exciting experience for you and your supporters.


For More Information

Please feel free to contact the City Secretary if you have any concerns at 713.662.5813 or by email.