Elections

The City of Pooler operates under a council-manager form of government. In this structure, elected officials, including the Mayor and City Council, 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.

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

• Have been residents of Pooler for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election.
• Be registered voters 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).

All positions are non-partisan and elected at-large, meaning candidates run city-wide rather than by district. The City of Pooler does not have districts.

Elected officials serve four-year terms. The current term began January 1, 2024, and will expire December 31, 2027. Serving in office requires a commitment of 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 a municipal training program, typically offered annually in February or March.

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.

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. While the 2027 Qualifying Period has not yet been announced, the 2023 period was held over one week in August during regular business hours. Candidates must appear in person, bring a valid photo ID, and submit all required documentation at the time of qualifying.

A qualifying fee equal to 3% of the current salary for the position must also be paid in order to participate. Based on the 2023 election, this fee was $432.00 for Mayor and $216.00 for City Councilmember. 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.

Candidates running for Mayor or City Council in the City of Pooler must follow state and local rules for campaign contributions and financial transparency. Before soliciting or accepting any contributions, candidates must file a Declaration of Intention to Accept Campaign Contributions (DOI). This form may be submitted anytime after January 1, 2027, but must be filed prior to the Qualifying Period. Candidates who establish a campaign committee are also required to file a Registration Form for a Campaign Committee with the state.

Georgia law requires transparency in campaign financing. Candidates, elected officials, and campaign committee officers must file Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDRs) with the State Ethics Commission, even if no financial activity has occurred. This ensures a complete public record.

All campaign finance activity for municipal elections in Georgia from 2026 onward is managed through PeachFile, the state’s online filing system. Candidates, committees, and elected officials use this portal to file their Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDRs) and Personal Financial Disclosure statements. The public can also access, view, and search these filings in one centralized location. For historical records, reports filed between 2022 and 2025 remain available through the Efile system. Filings from 2005-2021 may be accessed through the Legacy system. Records that predate the state’s digital systems are generally not available online but may be obtained by submitting an Open Records Request, subject to availability.

After the election, any candidate who has raised or spent more than $2,500—whether successful or not—must file a final Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form by December 31, 2027. Candidates are strongly encouraged to review guidance from the Georgia Ethics Commission to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.

Both qualified and prospective candidates are responsible for conducting their own due diligence regarding all election requirements, 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.