County Chairmen,

The 2012 Election Cycle is in full swing, and Candidate Qualifying is just around the corner! While Qualifying for statewide constitutional, state legislative, district attorney and federal candidates will be coordinated by the Georgia Republican Party, your County Party will have the option to conduct Qualifying of candidates for local office.

If your County Republican Party decides to Qualify 2012 Republican candidates for local office, please carefully consider the enclosed information. If you elect to forego Qualifying, your county’s Elections Superintendent will handle the process. However, please remember that if your County GOP does not conduct Qualifying, then you will not receive a portion of the Qualifying Fee.

Once your County GOP decides to Qualify Republican Candidates, you must alert your County Elections Superintendent at least 14 days prior to Qualifying. In addition, it is imperative that you secure a central location that is accessible during normal business hours and must be staffed at all times. Once finalized, please inform the Georgia Republican Party where you will be holding Qualifying so that we may direct local candidates to your Qualifying location.

In addition, Georgia GOP General Counsel Anne Lewis will hold a 30-minute Qualifying Informational Session immediately upon adjournment of the State Committee Meeting at State Convention on Friday, May 18^th. If you should have further questions or are in need of clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Georgia Republican Party or your County Elections Superintendent. Upon receipt of this letter, please contact your respective county elections office to discuss any particular requirements that your county may have.

Sincerely,

Sue P. Everhart, Chairman