Want to Run for Mayor of Simonton or Become a Member of Simonton City Council?
Filing Begins January 17, 2024
It’s election season
and time for voters to consider and decide who should lead our city government.
The City of Simonton will soon start the local election cycle by posting the statutorily required “Notice of Deadline to File an Application For Place on the Ballot” for the City Council election slated for May 4th, 2024.
When can you file for a position on the ballot?
Beginning Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, Simonton residents may file for a place on the ballot by simply downloading, completing, and returning the required documentation to City Hall. Of course, that all depends on it becoming available on the City’s official website.
What positions are open?
- Mayor
- There are two open “At Large” Alderman (city council) positions.
Don’t wait though, the filing deadline is February 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
There are a number of things that candidates should know.
- There are three open positions on the ballot.
- Mayor, serves a two year term.
- There are two open “At Large” Alderman (city council) positions.
- Each Alderman position is “At-Large” and represents all citizens without regard to location within the city and each Aldermen serves a two-year term.
- The election for Alderman is a popularity contest in that the candidates with the highest number of votes will win the two positions.
- As a “Type “A” General Law City”, Simonton does not have “wards”, “districts” or “positions” on the ballot. Each member on the City Council represents all of the citizens without regard to location within the city.
- There is no cost to file for a place on the ballot.
- There is no financial compensation for service on City Council.
- Regular meetings are typically held on either the first or the third Tuesday of each month – and sometimes both. Other “special” meetings may be called as / if needed.
- In order to run, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Be at least 18 years old on the date of the election; and
- Be a registered voter;
- Have lived in the State of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the filing date for the election, and in your city or ward for at least 6 months prior to the filing date for the election.
You can do it!
Serving in your city’s government can be a personally rewarding experience. If you want to learn more about running for City Council, the Texas Municipal League (TML) has a great document that will answer your questions in more detail.
Remember that the last day to file is Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
On behalf of others in our community, please know that we appreciate your willingness to run and to serve.