(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section:
(1) in the year in which the Governor is elected, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the last Tuesday in February in the year in which the primary election will be held; and
(2) for any other regularly scheduled election, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the 95th day before the day on which the primary election will be held.
(b) A certificate of candidacy for an office to be filled by a special election under this article shall be received and filed in the office of the appropriate board not later than 5 p.m. on the Monday that is 3 weeks or 21 days prior to the date for the special primary election specified by the Governor in the proclamation for the special primary election.
(c) The certificate of candidacy for the election of a write–in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of:
(1) 7 days after a total expenditure of at least $51 is made to promote the candidacy by a campaign finance entity of the candidate; or
(2) 5 p.m. on the 7th day preceding the start of early voting for which the certificate is filed.