CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
Interested in running for Virginia DECA Association Officer?
Becoming a Virginia DECA Association Officer is an exciting opportunity to grow as a leader, represent thousands of members across the state, and make a lasting impact on our organization. As a candidate, you’ll gain valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and professional development while serving as the voice of Virginia DECA. Explore this page to learn more about the qualifications, application process, and what it means to serve as a state officer.
Questions should be directed to elections@vadeca.org
The Candidate Process
Step 1: Virginia DECA Association Officer Application
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Virginia DECA Association Officer Application - Due November 3, 2026
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Applicants will begin the process by completing the online application. The applicant will need to collect the following to complete the application.
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Applicant Information
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School Information
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DECA Experience
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Other Leadership Experience
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Transcript from the end of the 2025-2026 school year
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4X6 Zoomed in Headshot (neck up) in DECA Blazer (tie or ascot must be worn in the headshot)
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Advisor Responsibilities Form
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Officer Responsibilities Form
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Parent/Guardian Form
The Virginia DECA Association Officer Application can be found here:
Step 2: Test
Applicants will take a online test AT school with their Virginia DECA Officer Candidate Advisor present. The test will be administered by the Virginia DECA Chartered Association Advisor on a recorded Zoom in order to ensure candidates do not cheat.
Online Test will be on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:00PM. There will NOT be a make-up date or time for testing.​
Study Guide
Begin by Reviewing this link in-depth https://issuu.com/decainc/docs/deca_student_leader_resource_guide
*Information is pulled from the entirety of the guide including parliamentary procedure.
Step 3: VA DECA Chartered Association Advisor Zoom Interview
December 9 & December 10, 2026
The video interview is a scheduled interview with the Chartered Association Advisor. The candidate will have up to 15 minutes to answer the questions posed. Video interviews will be completed during VA DECA office hours when possible.
Step 4:
Slating Committee Zoom Interview - January 12 & 13, 2027​
The Slating Committee will:
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Interview each candidate fairly and objectively to determine eligibility to seek office.
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Evaluate each candidate for office using interview scores as criteria
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Recommend slating a candidate to provide at least two candidates for each office.​
Step 5: Campaigning at the State Leadership Conference (SLC)
Approved Campaigning Candidates cleared for the State Leadership Conference (SLC) may conduct limited campaigning only in the exhibit hall during these windows:
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Friday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM and Saturday: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
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Saturday: 2:00 PM - Speeches
Election Schedule for Candidates
January 19 | 7PM - Mandatory Candidate Briefing for Candidate and Advisor
February 15 |10PM - Campaign receipts due to elections@vadeca.org
February 27 | 11 AM Campaigns may officially begin. Candidates may begin setting up booths at 9 AM.
February 27 | 11 AM - 4 PM Meet the Candidates
February 28 | 9 AM - 1 PM Meet the Candidates. Tables must be cleaned by 1:30 PM
February 28 | 3 PM Election Session
March 1 |New Team Announced at Closing Session
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Newly elected officers must be in DECA blazers and in Dress Code when going on stage.
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Newly elected officers will meet backstage immediately after the awards ceremony.
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Newly elected officers will assume their official duties as officers at ICDC 2027.
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