Elections

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Whether you are considering running for municipal office or preparing to qualify as a candidate, this page provides the information you need to navigate the City of Pooler’s election process. Find resources on candidate eligibility, qualifying procedures, filing requirements, and other important election information.

The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2027, with seven positions to be filled: one Mayor and six City Councilmembers. All offices are nonpartisan and elected at-large, meaning candidates run citywide rather than by district. Individuals interested in seeking municipal office may declare their intention to run beginning January 1, 2027. Following the August 2027 Qualifying Period, the official list of qualified candidates will be published on this page.

Pooler’s municipal elections are administered by the Chatham County Board of Elections in accordance with Georgia election laws.

City Governance

The City of Pooler operates under a council-manager form of government. In this structure, elected officials serve as the policy-making body, similar to a board of directors. They are responsible for adopting budgets, passing ordinances, setting policy, and guiding the city’s long-term vision. They also appoint the city manager, who is responsible for managing day-to-day operations. Elected officials do not get involved in daily administrative tasks, allowing them to instead focus on governance and strategic direction.

This system is widely used among municipalities of similar size and is designed to separate political leadership from administrative management. By delegating operational responsibilities to a professional, non-political manager, the council-manager model promotes efficiency while ensuring that elected officials can concentrate on policy-making and long-term planning.

Candidate Requirements

Individuals interested in running for Mayor or City Councilmember in the City of Pooler must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates must:

  • Have been a resident of Pooler for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election (November 2, 2027).
  • Be a registered voter qualified to vote in municipal elections.
  • Continue to reside within the city limits throughout their term.
  • Not be disqualified from holding public office under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 45-2-1).

Pooler elected officials serve four-year terms. The current term began January 1, 2024, and will expire December 31, 2027. The next term will run from January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2031.

Serving in office requires a commitment of both time and participation. City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month. The Mayor may also call special meetings, workshops, or public hearings as needed. Additionally, by state law, newly elected officials are required to attend and successfully complete one municipal training program, typically offered annually in February or March by the Georgia Municipal Association.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the City Charter, City Code of Ordinances, and Georgia Ethics Commission guidelines to ensure a full understanding of the responsibilities and legal requirements associated with holding municipal office.

Qualifying Process & Fee

To officially become a candidate for municipal office in the City of Pooler, individuals must complete the qualifying process during the designated Qualifying Period by submitting a Notice of Candidacy form. The 2027 Qualifying Period will take place August 16-August 20 at City Hall during regular business hours. Candidates must appear in person, bring a valid photo ID and submit all required documentation at the time of qualifying.

The qualifying fee equal to 3% of the current salary for the position must also be paid in order to participate. This fee will be $432.00 for Mayor and $216.00 for City Councilmembers. Candidates who are unable to pay the fee may instead file a Pauper’s Affidavit along with a Qualifying Petition in accordance with state law. Qualifying packets, which include required forms, instructions, and additional resources, will be available beginning August 1, 2027, in both paper and digital formats through the City Clerk’s office.

Campaign Contributions & Finance Reporting

Candidates seeking election to Mayor or City Council in the City of Pooler must comply with all applicable state and local campaign finance and disclosure requirements. Before soliciting or accepting contributions, each candidate must file a Declaration of Intention to Accept Campaign Contributions (DOI). This form may be submitted any time after January 1, 2027, but it must be filed before the Qualifying Period begins. Candidates who establish a campaign committee must also register the committee with the State of Georgia, as required by law.

Effective January 1, 2026, all municipal campaign finance filings in Georgia must be submitted through PeachFile, the state’s online filing system. Candidates and elected officials subject to these requirements should create a PeachFile account to submit their required filings electronically. Individuals are encouraged to establish their accounts in advance of applicable filing deadlines to allow sufficient time to complete registration and become familiar with the online filing system.

Georgia law requires candidates, elected officials, and campaign committee officers who raise or spend more than $2,500 to file Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDRs) with the Georgia State Ethics Commission. Candidates who do not intend to raise or spend more than $2,500 must instead file an Affidavit of Exemption, as applicable. Required reports and filings must be submitted by the applicable deadlines, even if no financial activity has occurred during the reporting period. In addition, all elected officials, regardless of whether they file CCDRs or an Affidavit of Exemption, are required to file a Personal Financial Disclosure Statement (PFDS) annually after taking office. These requirements help promote transparency and maintain a complete public record of campaign and financial activity. Candidates and elected officials are encouraged to review guidance from the Georgia State Ethics Commission to ensure compliance with all applicable reporting requirements.

The public may also use PeachFile to search, access, and review filings through a centralized online database. Historical filings from 2022 through 2025 remain available through the Efile system, while records from 2005 through 2021 may be accessed through the Legacy system. Older records may be available through an Open Records Request with the municipality, subject to availability.

For any questions related to PeachFile or finance reporting, please contact the State Ethics Commission directly at (404) 463-1980 or by email at [email protected].

Campaign Signs

All campaign, election, and political signs are subject to the City of Pooler’s applicable sign ordinances. Candidates are responsible for reviewing and complying with all applicable requirements outlined in the City of Pooler Code of Ordinances. Signs placed in violation of applicable ordinances may be removed by Code Enforcement. The City is not required to return signs that have been placed in violation of applicable ordinances.

Resources

For Candidates

For the Public

Candidate Responsibility Disclaimer

Both qualified and prospective candidates are responsible for conducting their own due diligence regarding all election requirements, reports, deadlines, filings, and applicable laws. While the City of Pooler provides information and resources to assist candidates, it does not guarantee that all information is complete, current, or applicable to every situation.

Candidates are encouraged to consult official sources, including state agencies, legal counsel, or election authorities, to ensure full compliance with all local and state regulations. The City of Pooler is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or misunderstandings that may impact a candidate’s eligibility, filing status, or campaign activities.