Deadline nears in council races

SANDPOINT — The deadline is near to put your hat in the ring for upcoming city council elections.

Prospective public officials have until Friday, Sept. 6 to file candidacy papers for council elections taking place Nov. 5. Candidates who file in time guarantee their spot on the ballot, although individuals can still file to run as a write-in candidate until Oct. 8. If individuals decide to file for candidacy but later change their minds, they have until Sept. 20 to withdraw their name from the race.

Three Sandpoint City Council seats are open for election this year. Council members Justin Schuck and Jamie Brunner’s terms of office secured during the 2009 election expire in January. Meanwhile, Councilman Shelby Rognstad, who was appointed to complete Mayor Marsha Ogilvie’s term in 2012, will also find his seat up for election. To date, no incumbents have filed candidacy papers for reelection, according to Sandpoint City Clerk Maree Peck. The only individual to file so far is Bryan Dillon.   

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and a United States citizen who has resided in Sandpoint for at least 30 days prior to the election.

The candidate’s address on file for voter registration must match the address provided in the declaration of candidacy.  

There are two options when filing paperwork. While both options require an official declaration of candidacy signed by a public notary, individuals can avoid an additional fee by collecting five signatures from qualified city electors. However, Peck cautioned that candidates must confirm those individuals as qualified electors by requesting certification from the Bonner County Clerk’s Office. Otherwise, individuals can accompany their candidacy with a nonrefundable $40 filing fee.

According to Idaho code, candidates for office in cities with a population greater than 5,000 must also follow state campaign finance laws.

Candidates begin this process by declaring a political treasurer when declaring their intent to run.

This role can be filled by either an individual registered to vote, or the candidate can serve as his or her own treasurer.

All filing information, forms and campaign finance regulations can be found on the city’s website: www.cityofsandpoint.com.