The candidate filing period for the November city and school elections opens this month. Locally, candidates can begin submitting the required documents to appear on the ballot with their respective county auditor’s office on Monday, Aug. 25, and the filing period is open through Thursday, Sept. 18. Candidates must be an eligible voter who resides within the district or ward they are running to represent and submit an affidavit of candidacy and nominating petition. City office candidates also must collect signatures from at least 10 people or two percent of the people who voted in the last regularly scheduled city election, whichever is greater, to be included in their filing documents. Requirements for school board candidates vary based on the size of the district, generally 10 to 50 signatures or one percent of the registered voters in the area they are running to represent, whichever is less. Regulations can vary slightly, so individuals are encouraged to check with their local election officials for clarification. Iowa’s city and school elections are slated for Nov. 4.
