What are the qualifications to become a state legislature?

Explanation:

it depends on your state

The Constitution sets three qualifications for service in the U.S. Senate: age (at least thirty years of age); U.S. citizenship (at least nine years); and residency in the state a senator represents at time of election.

To run for a state legislative seat, a potential candidate must meet certain qualifications. These qualifications generally fall into five categories: age, district residency, state residency, how long the potential candidate has been a U.S. citizen, and whether or not the potential candidate is a registered voter. These vary state-by-state. Generally, states define age and residency requirements for anyone who will serve in the legislature. These then govern who may run.

Additionally, some states prohibit people who have been convicted of certain crimes from serving as a legislator. Some other states do not prohibit candidates with certain convictions from serving, but they do require that these candidates disclose this information when they file to become a candidate  For more information on candicacy and convictions, visit the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  

This page and the information contained within is not intended to be a guide for potential candidates. In order to obtain information of the qualifications required to run for office, please consult your local or state election officials, state election regulation authority, and an attorney.

Below is a chart detailing the candidate qualification for state legislators in all 50 states.

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