Running for Office and Qualifying for the Municipal Election

Municipal Elections

The City of Sandy Springs holds non-partisan municipal elections every four years, in odd numbered years. The City Council seats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and the Mayor seat are up for election at the same time. The next Municipal Election is November, 2025.

Per the City Charter, the mayor and members of the council shall serve for terms of four years and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Qualifications include:

• A resident of the City of Sandy Springs for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately prior to the date of the election for mayor or council member;
• Shall continue to reside therein during that person’s period of service;
• Continue to be registered and qualified to vote in municipal election of the City of Sandy Springs;
• Residing in the council district the person seeks to represent for a continuous period of at least six months immediately prior to the date of the election; and
• Continues to reside in such district during the person’s period of service.

Qualifying to Run for the Municipal Election

Candidates may qualify by one of the following methods:

1. Filing a Notice of Candidacy and paying a set qualifying fee to the Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent or designated agent for the desired office. 
2. Filing a Notice of Candidacy, a Qualifying Petition and a Pauper’s Affidavit affirming under oath the candidate’s poverty or inability to pay the qualifying fee as required by O.C.G.A. Sections 21-2-132(g) and 21-2-132(h) with the Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent or designated agent.

Each candidate must meet the qualifications of the Charter and Code of Ordinances of the City of Sandy Springs as well as applicable state laws.

Qualifying Fees

In accordance with City Code, qualifying fees are three percent of the total gross salary of the office paid in the preceding calendar year. The City’s Mayor receives $40,000 per year, with the qualifying fee set this year at $1,200.00. Council members each receive a salary of $18,000 per year, with the qualifying fee set for $540.00.