While a slew of candidates has stepped up to indicate interest in running for Palm Springs City Council in the November General Election, there’s still plenty of time before the official ballot is produced. Still, a crucial window is about to open.
Driving the news: Monique Lomeli, the city’s interim city clerk, said that although there are candidates who completed paperwork indicating they intend to run, July 18 is the day to circle on your calendars. That’s when a four-week nomination period opens.
- During the nomination period, which ends on Aug. 12, Lomeli’s office will issue filing papers to candidates. They then must gather between 80 and 120 signatures of registered voters in their district to qualify for the Nov. 8 ballot.
- If an incumbent doesn’t file nomination papers by the Aug. 12 deadline, the district’s nomination period automatically extends five days. The incumbent is not eligible to participate in the extended nomination period.
State of play: In Palm Springs, elections will be held for City Council in districts 1, 2, and 3. They will serve four-year terms. To date, eight people have announced they intend to seek a Council seat.
- Mayor Pro Tem Grace Garner, who represents District 1, is the only incumbent so far to confirm she will run again. It remains to be seen whether District 2 Councilmember Dennis Woods will seek re-election. Councilmember Geoff Kors said he is not running for another term.
- Don’t know your district? Look here.
But wait: While there is no election scheduled for District 4, should current Councilmember Christy Holstege win her November race for California State Assembly, a seat in District 4 will open up. One candidate has already indicated interest in filling that potential vacancy.
Of note: For candidates who raise more than $2,000, the first financial disclosure form is due by Aug. 1. It covers the period ending June 30.
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