Rhode Islanders who intend to run for office have until Wednesday to make it official.

Candidates for federal office must file declarations of candidacy with Secretary of State Ralph Mollis at the Elections Division, 148 West River St., Providence, Mollis's office reminded today.

Those planning to run for state or local office must file with the board of canvassers in the city or town of his or her legal residence.

July 1 is when candidates can pick up nomination papers. Candidates for federal office and state Senate and House districts in Providence can get forms from Mollis’ elections office. Candidates for all other state and local offices should get their papers at their local board of canvassers.

Candidates then have until July 11 to collect the signatures of enough eligible voters to officially get on the ballot. The threshold ranges from 50 signatures for the state House of Representatives to 1,000 signatures for the U.S. Senate.

All forms and a calendar with every key date leading up to Rhode Island’s primary and general election are posted at http://www.sec.state.ri.us/elections/election08.html.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney