Run for County Clerk of Courts

What a County Clerk of Courts Does in Ohio

In Ohio, a County Clerk of Courts is an elected official responsible for maintaining records and managing administrative functions for the county’s Court of Common Pleas, which handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2303.01–2303.31 and ensures efficient court operations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Clerk of Courts’ duties:

1. Court Recordkeeping
   
   • Maintain and preserve records for all cases in the Court of Common Pleas, including filings, judgments, and court orders (ORC 2303.08).
   • Example: File a divorce decree or a felony conviction record.
2. Filing and Processing Documents
   
   • Accept and process legal documents such as complaints, motions, and appeals.
   • Issue summonses, subpoenas, and notices as directed by the court.
   • Example: Process a civil lawsuit filing against a business.
3. Financial Management
   
   • Collect court costs, filing fees, fines, and restitution payments.
   • Disburse funds to appropriate parties (e.g., state, county, or victims) per ORC 2303.20.
   • Example: Distribute a fine from a criminal case to the county treasury.
4. Public Access and Service
   
   • Provide public access to court records, assisting attorneys, litigants, and residents.
   • Issue certified copies of documents (e.g., marriage licenses, if handled by the clerk in some counties).
   • Example: Help a researcher access a 10-year-old civil case file.
5. Court Administration
   
   • Manage court dockets, schedule hearings, and coordinate with judges and attorneys.
   • Supervise deputy clerks and administrative staff.
   • Example: Schedule a pretrial hearing for a felony case.
6. Compliance and Reporting
   
   • Ensure compliance with state laws and Ohio Supreme Court rules for recordkeeping.
   • Submit reports to state agencies (e.g., case statistics to the Ohio Supreme Court).
   • Example: Report annual case filings for audit purposes.
7. Technology Integration
   
   • Oversee electronic filing systems (e-filing) and maintain digital records.
   • Example: Implement an online portal for attorneys to submit motions.

County Clerks of Courts in Ohio serve 4-year terms and are elected in even-numbered presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028). The role is full-time in larger counties and part-time in smaller ones. No specific education is required, but legal or administrative experience is highly valued.

How to Run for County Clerk of Courts in Ohio: Requirements and Steps

Elections for County Clerk of Courts occur in even-numbered presidential years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election, with a 4-year term starting January 1, 2029. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as signature requirements vary by county population.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
• Residency: Live in the county for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 2303.01).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting public offices (e.g., county judge) per ORC 2303.03.
• Qualifications: No formal education required, but experience in court administration, records management, or legal processes is preferred.

Steps to Run for Office

1. Research Local Rules
   
   • Confirm the 2028 election cycle for your county’s clerk of courts seat.
   • Check signature requirements (based on county population) and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Cuyahoga County for Cleveland).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Start in 2027 (e.g., April–June) for 2028.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-A for partisan races, as clerk races are partisan) with your county board.
   • Choose a party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent (Form 3-I).
   • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: Partisan candidates file by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 6, 2028, for May 7, 2028, primary). Independents file by 4 p.m. the day before the primary (e.g., May 6, 2028).
3. Collect Signatures
   
   • Gather signatures from registered county voters:
     
     • Partisan: 50 valid signatures for major parties (ORC 3513.05); larger counties may require 100–200 (e.g., Hamilton County).
     • Independent: 1% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in the county, or 25–500 based on county size.
   • Use Form 3-A (partisan) or 3-I (independent).
   • Deadline: February 6, 2028 (partisan); May 6, 2028 (independent). Collect extra signatures for safety.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   
   • Fees ~$50–$100 for partisan candidates, waiveable with signatures in some counties.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 6, 2028, for partisan).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2027); pre-primary report due ~April 8, 2028.
6. Primary Election
   
   • Partisan candidates compete to win their party’s nomination.
   • Date: May 7, 2028 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
   • Independents skip this step.
7. Campaigning
   
   • Build a platform (e.g., “streamlined court services” or “accessible records”).
   • Engage voters via community events, legal groups, or ads—focus on efficiency and public access.
   • Follow local sign rules.
   • Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2028), peak in fall (September–October 2028).
8. General Election
   
   • Appear on the ballot countywide (partisan or independent).
   • Date: November 7, 2028.
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   
   • If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2029).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2028–January 2029).

Hypothetical 2028 Timeline (November 7 Election)

• April–June 2027: Research eligibility, confirm 2028 cycle.
• July–December 2027: Plan platform, collect signatures.
• January 2028: Finalize signatures.
• February 6, 2028: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
• April 8, 2028: File pre-primary finance report.
• May 6, 2028: Independent petitions due.
• May 7, 2028: Primary election.
• June–October 2028: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 5).
• November 7, 2028: Election Day.
• January 1, 2029: Take office.

Ohio-Specific Resources for County Clerk of Courts Candidates

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
  
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
  
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio Clerks of Court Association: Role insights and training.
  
  • www.ohioclerks.org/
• Ohio Judicial Conference: Court system context.
  
  • www.ohiojudges.org/

County Clerk of Courts races are partisan, emphasizing administrative efficiency and public service.