What it takes to be a candidate

There are 25 different local agencies with elected seats to be filled in the Nov. 6 Consolidated General Election.

Between now and Aug. 10, potential candidates have the opportunity to declare their name for election.

There are many reasons why a person may decide to seek public office.

Some candidates are looking for something meaningful to do with their spare time, while others identify with solutions to fix potential problems within an agency.

However, the most consistent reason I hear candidates decide to run for public office is a desire to get involved.

Whether it’s giving back to your hometown or community pride, public service is an opportunity to do your part to improve the area you live in.

I can offer one piece of advice to all potential candidates when considering the position you may run for, identify what is important to you, what your passions are and what you think you can do differently to make a positive change.

Once you have decided on the position you will seek, you next should determine if you are qualified to hold an elected office.

A qualified candidate for public office must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter within the district for which they are seeking office.

After you have determined your eligibility, you must declare your candidacy. Declarations may be obtained from the registrar of voters’ office and must be completed within the office.

However, those seeking seats on the Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville or Imperial city councils must file with their respective city clerk.

In addition, each candidate seeking candidacy for open city council seats are required to file a nomination petition before the Aug. 10 deadline.

Nomination petitions contain signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction within the range required by law.

And last, eligible candidates wishing to submit a candidate’s statement of qualifications must do so at the same time their declaration of candidacy is filed and before the deadline for both documents on Aug. 10.

A statement of qualifications is a statement of 200 words or less from the candidate that is included in the Voter’s Information Guide. Not all candidates choose to submit a statement of qualifications, and it is not a mandatory requirement for candidacy.

Throughout the election process, the registrar of voters’ staff is available to provide information and guidance for all candidates and voters. Our office is located on the second floor in the County Administration Building located at 940 W. Main St., El Centro.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.imperial. ca.us/regvoters or call us at (442) 265-1060.