Thinking of running for local office this fall? Here's what you need to know

Election time is right around the corner--or maybe it's always with us now!

If you're thinking of running for local office, city and county officials want to pass along some information.

The filing period for people wanting to run for local elected offices begins the end of August.  But city and county election officials are getting out the word now about the requirements for running for office.

The filing period for both city and school board elections runs from August 26th through September 19th.  November 5th will be the first combined school and city election.  School board candidates must file nomination papers with school board secretaries, while city candidates must file with the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office.

Candidates for a seat on the Decorah School Board must gather at least 50 signatures.  Candidates for a seat on the South Winneshiek School Board must gather at least 29 signatures.  All candidates in the cities of Calmar, Castalia, Fort Atkinson, Ossian, Ridgeway, and Spillville must gather at least 10 signatures.  All candidates in the city of Jackson Junction must gather at least five signatures.

In the City of Decorah, candidates for Councilperson at large must gather at least 40 signatures, while candidates for Ward 2 or 4 must gather 10 signatures.  Candidates for Park and Rec Board must gather 33 signatures.

More information is available at www.sos.iowa.gov (click on "candidates" under "elections"); campaign finance questions can be answered at www.iowa.gov/ethics.  Questions about this or any election can be directed to the County Auditor at auditor@co.winneshiek.ia.us or (563) 382-5085 or for City of Decorah elections, the City Clerk's Office in Decorah.