Elections

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.

Individuals interested in running for Mayor or City Councilmember 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).

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 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.

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. Required reports and filings must be submitted 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 are encouraged to review guidance from the Georgia State Ethics Commission to ensure compliance with all applicable reporting requirements.

Effective January 1, 2026, all municipal campaign finance filings in Georgia must be submitted through PeachFile, the state’s new online filing system. 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.

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.