A qualified elector who has resided in the city during the 12 months immediately preceding the election may be a candidate for an elective city position.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
(A) 
An eligible elector may become a candidate for an elective city position by filing a nomination petition or a declaration of candidacy in a form prescribed by the Secretary of State and available from the recorder.
(B) 
A declaration of candidacy must be accompanied by the filing fee established by Council resolution.
(C) 
A nomination petition must contain signatures of not fewer than 20 city-qualified electors as follows:
(1) 
No elector may sign more than 3 petitions. If more than 3 are signed, the signature is valid only on the first 3 valid petitions filed.
(2) 
The signatures need not all be attached to 1 paper, but each separate paper of the petition must be attached to an affidavit of the circulator showing the number of signers and stating that each signature is the genuine signature of the person.
(3) 
Each signature must have next to it the signer's residence, by its street and number or other description.
(4) 
The Recorder must certify the signatures in the nomination petition for genuineness by comparing them and the other required information with the elector registration cards on file with the County Clerk.
(5) 
After the petition is filed with the Recorder, the Recorder has 10 days to verify the signatures, and attach to the petition a certificate stating the number of signatures believed genuine.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
(A) 
A nomination petition or declaration of candidacy must contain:
(1) 
The name by which the candidate is commonly known. A candidate may use a nickname in parentheses in addition to the candidate's full name;
(2) 
The residence address of the candidate;
(3) 
The office or position number for which the candidate seeks nomination;
(4) 
A statement that the candidate is willing to accept the office if elected;
(5) 
A statement that the candidate will qualify if elected;
(6) 
A statement of the candidate's occupation, educational and occupational background, and prior governmental experience; and
(7) 
The signature of the candidate.
(B) 
A declaration of candidacy must include a statement that the required fee is included with the declaration.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
(A) 
A nomination petition or declaration of candidacy must be filed with the Recorder.
(B) 
The Recorder will date and time stamp immediately upon filing a nominating petition, declaration of candidacy, withdrawal or other document required to be filed.
(C) 
A nomination petition or declaration of candidacy will be filed not sooner than 120 days nor later than 70 days before the election date.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
If a nomination petition is not signed by the required number of qualified electors or the declaration of candidacy is not complete, the Recorder will notify the candidate within 5 days after the filing. The Recorder will return it immediately to the candidate, and state in writing how the petition is deficient. The deficient petition may be amended and filed again as a new petition, or a substitute petition for the same candidate may be filed within the time requirements for filing petitions.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
(A) 
A candidate who has filed a nomination petition or declaration of candidacy may withdraw not later than the 67th day before the election date by filing a statement of withdrawal with the Recorder. The withdrawal must be made under oath and state the reasons for the withdrawal.
(B) 
If requested not later than 67 days before the election date, the Recorder will refund the filing fee of a candidate who dies, withdraws or becomes ineligible for the nomination.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)
The Recorder will certify the nominations to the County Clerk in accordance with the time requirements of state law stating the offices and the terms of office for which the candidates are nominated.
(Ord. 710, passed 12-4-2006)