Prospective candidates for the Marana City Council are urged to attend a candidate orientation session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 in the Council Chambers of the Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive.
The meeting will advise prospective City Council candidates about the process of running for office in the August 2018 primary. The meeting on April 4 will also offer information on how to register to vote.
Speakers at the meeting will include the town clerk and the deputy town clerk. Each will give a brief presentation concerning candidate filing requirements, forms and campaign finance. In addition, the town attorney will advise candidates on legal issues and discuss details of the Arizona Open Meeting Law. The current law on posting political signs will also be covered.
Marana conducts staggered, non-partisan elections every two years. In 2018, four council seats are open.
To enter the race, candidates must obtain between 253 and 506 signatures of registered voters within the Marana corporate limits on a nomination petition. According to past election history, the primary election usually determines the winners for open council seats. However, if a winner is not determined in the primary, the candidates will proceed to the general election.
Those interested in running for office can obtain candidate packets at the orientation. Packets will also be available online at http://www.maranaaz.gov/candidate-information. In addition, packets may be obtained in person at the office of the town clerk in the Marana City Hall. April 30 is the earliest date to turn in candidate filings and May 30 is the deadline to file.
Candidates must keep track of their contributions and expenditures. Those who accept contributions or expect to spend $1,100 or more on their campaign must file a Statement of Organization with the Town Clerk. Any changes that occur to the information submitted must be reported within five business days.
For additional information, contact Marana Town Clerk Jocelyn Bronson at 520-382-1960 or Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser at 520-382-1962.