JANUARY 26, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that candidates for local and intermediate school boards in districts that have an election this May must file by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Under the state’s consolidated election law, local and intermediate school districts that hold popular elections must conduct them annually in May or November, or in May or November of an odd year as determined by the district.

"The consolidated election law limits the number of elections to four each year, which will make it easier for people to know when and where to vote," said Land, the state’s chief election officer. "Because this law is new, we are working hard to ensure that candidates, voters and election officials are aware of the changes."

School board candidates must file an affidavit of identity and either a nominating petition or a nonrefundable $100 fee to run. Candidates from school districts with a population of less than 10,000 who choose to submit a petition must gather a minimum of six signatures. In school districts with populations of 10,000 or more, the minimum requirement is 40 signatures.

The filing must be submitted to the filing official established by the district’s election coordinating committee. Parties looking for information on where to file are encouraged to contact their local county clerk.

The deadline for withdrawing is 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11.

Other important dates for the May 3 election are:

— March 7 at 4 p.m. – Filing deadline for community college trustees and district library board candidates for those using the May 3 date. Candidates should check with their county clerks for petition requirements.

— April 4 – Last day to register to vote in the May 3 election.

— April 29 at 4 p.m. – Filing deadline for write-in candidates.

— April 30 at 2 p.m. – Deadline for applying for an absentee ballot by mail.

— May 2 at 4 p.m. – Deadline for voters to vote an absentee ballot in person.

— May 3 – Election Day. Voters that qualify for an emergency absentee ballot may obtain one up to 4 p.m.

Anyone with questions about filing requirements or procedures for obtaining an absentee ballot should contact their county clerk.