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Ballot procedures differ by city: Campaign season under way for May election
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@starlocalnews.com
Dozens of city council candidates across Collin County are firing up their campaigns in anticipation of the upcoming election.
However, before campaigning can begin, candidates must officially file for a place on the ballot. And while this seems simple, the requirements potential candidates face – including age and residence requirements – differ depending on which city they live in.
Things are very simple in Celina, Frisco and McKinney. City secretaries from each city confirmed all that is required is filling out an application.
In Plano and Allen, things operate a bit differently.
While there is no filing fee in Plano, aspiring candidates are required to gather signatures on a petition in order to appear on the ballot. Di Zucco, Plano city secretary, says this year the magic number of signatures required is 46. The number is derived from the state election code, which sets the number at one-half of one percent of the total votes received in the most recent mayoral election or 25 – whichever is greater.
In Allen, candidates must pay a $20 filing fee. However, if they receive 25 signatures from registered voters in the city, the filing fee is waived.
The filing deadline for both municipal and school elections is March 1. Election Day is May 11.
However, before campaigning can begin, candidates must officially file for a place on the ballot. And while this seems simple, the requirements potential candidates face – including age and residence requirements – differ depending on which city they live in.
Things are very simple in Celina, Frisco and McKinney. City secretaries from each city confirmed all that is required is filling out an application.
In Plano and Allen, things operate a bit differently.
While there is no filing fee in Plano, aspiring candidates are required to gather signatures on a petition in order to appear on the ballot. Di Zucco, Plano city secretary, says this year the magic number of signatures required is 46. The number is derived from the state election code, which sets the number at one-half of one percent of the total votes received in the most recent mayoral election or 25 – whichever is greater.
In Allen, candidates must pay a $20 filing fee. However, if they receive 25 signatures from registered voters in the city, the filing fee is waived.
The filing deadline for both municipal and school elections is March 1. Election Day is May 11.
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