(1) An independent, or political organization, or political group candidate required to file nomination papers pursuant to KRS 118.365(5) shall be required to file a statement-of-candidacy form with the same office at which nomination papers are filed. Candidates for federal office and candidates for mayor or legislative body in cities of the home rule class participating in partisan elections shall not be required to file a statement-of-candidacy form. The statement-of-candidacy form shall be filed not earlier than the first Wednesday after the first Monday in November of the year preceding the year in which the office will appear on the ballot and not later than April 1 preceding the day fixed by law for holding of regular elections for the offices sought. If the office in which the statement-of-candidacy form is to be filed is closed on April 1, the form may be filed on the next business day. The statement- of-candidacy form shall be filed no later than 4 p.m. local time when filed on the last day on which papers are permitted to be filed. No person shall file a statement- of-candidacy form for more than one (1) public office during an election cycle.
(2) The statement-of-candidacy form shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections. The statement-of-candidacy form shall be signed by the candidate upon filing. No charge shall be assessed for the filing of a statement-of-candidacy form. The Secretary of State and county clerks shall examine the statement-of-candidacy form of each candidate who files the form to determine if there is an error. If an error has occurred, the candidate shall be notified by certified mail within twenty- four (24) hours.