[Amended 9-20-1988 by resolution, approved at election 11-22-1988; 11-4-2003 by resolution, approved at election 4-6-2004; 8-31-2004 by resolution, approved at election 11-2-2004]
An election shall be held April 5, 2005, to determine the representation of each individual ward as identified in Chapter 35 of the Code of the City of El Reno. The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes from within their respective ward will be elected to represent that ward.
The winning candidate who receives the highest percentage of all votes cast within their ward will be elected to a term that will expire on November 10, 2009. The winning candidate who receives the second highest percentage of all votes cast within their ward will be elected to a term that shall expire on November 11, 2008. The winning candidate who receives the third highest percentage of all votes cast within their ward will be elected to a term that shall expire on November 20, 2007. The winning candidate who receives the smallest percentage of all votes cast within their ward will be elected to a term that will expire on November 14, 2006.
There shall be an election to determine one council seat in November each year thereafter in accordance with the election schedule prescribed in 26 O.S. § 3-101. Said terms shall begin the Tuesday following the election at 7:30 p.m., and shall continue for four years and until their successors are duly qualified.
The term for the current mayor shall expire on November 20, 2007. An election shall be held on November 13, 2007 to fill this office. The mayor shall be elected at large every three (3) years thereafter.
If mayor-elect or councilman-elect fail to qualify within one month after the beginning of his term, his election shall be void. Incumbent members of the city council who are in office at the time of approval of this amendment to the charter shall continue to serve until the expiration of their respective terms.
Councilmen shall serve for terms of four years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Council candidates must reside from within the ward they seek to represent. Qualified electors shall only elect a councilman from within the ward where they reside. Removal of a council member from one ward to another within the city after his election, or a change in ward boundaries, shall not disqualify him from completing the terms for which he was elected.
The mayor shall be elected at large by the qualified electors of the city and shall serve for terms of three years.
There shall be no primary election but only a general election, herein called "election."
[Amended 2-16-1982 by resolution, approved at election 4-6-1982; 9-20-1988 by resolution, approved at election 11-22-1988; 8-31-2004 by resolution, approved at election 11-2-2004]
Any qualified person who is an actual resident of the municipality may become a candidate for mayor or councilman by filing a declaration of candidacy no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on the last Monday in August, and no later than 4:30 p.m. on the next succeeding Wednesday with the secretary of the county election board. A member shall not be required to forfeit his council position until he is elected, qualified and takes office as mayor.
[Amended 11-4-2003 by resolution, approved at election 4-6-2004; 8-31-2004 by resolution, approved at election 11-2-2004]
Beginning in November 2006, an election shall be held in November every year to elect a councilman to succeed the councilman whose term is expiring. The date for said election shall be in accordance with the election schedule prescribed in 26 O.S. § 3-101. If there is only one candidate, he shall be elected ipso facto; and a formal election need not be held. Qualified electors of the City shall only be entitled to vote for one candidate who resides within their ward, and the instruction "Vote for only one" shall appear on the ballot above the names of the candidates. The candidate from the ward who receives the greatest number of votes shall be elected councilman. A simple majority will determine the winner of the election. In case of failure to elect a councilman because of a tie, the election shall be determined fairly by lot from among the candidates tying, by the county election board in a public meeting.
Only electors residing in this city who have the qualifications prescribed for electors by the state constitution and law, and who are registered as required by law, may vote in city elections.
No officer or employee of the city except the councilmen, may work for or against, or attempt to influence the nomination, election or defeat of any candidate for councilman, or the recall of any councilman; provided that this shall not prohibit the ordinary exercise of one's right to express his opinions and to vote. Any person who violates this provision, shall be punished, upon conviction thereof, by a fine not exceeding twenty dollars including costs. Such violation shall constitute cause for removal from office or employment.
The provisions of the state constitution and law applicable to city elections shall govern such elections in this city insofar as they are applicable and are not superseded by this charter or by ordinance.
A proclamation of the mayor calling a special election need not (but may) set forth the names of the precinct officers who are to conduct the election, but shall give the locations of polling places.