8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for Township Trustee-Township Council in Bennington township, IA
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline:
Election Details
- Office level: local
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: N/A
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: N/A
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: N/A - N/A
- Positions: Black Hawk County: Bennington Township ClerkBlack Hawk County: Bennington Township Trustee
Job description
Iowa local township government provides vital functions such as fire protection. In addition, townships are responsible for public cemeteries and resolving fence disputes. Townships may choose to provide an array of other services such as township halls, parks, libraries, community center, playgrounds, and ambulance service. Each Township is responsible for filing their annual budget with the Auditor's office. The township is also required to file an Annual Financial Report with the Auditor's office.
Eligibility requirements
Nominations: Candidate can be nominated at a Primary Election, after a Primary Election by Political Party Convention, nominated by a non-party political organization convention, and by a nomination by petition. All people seeking elected office must be a citizen at the time of the election, an Iowa resident at the time of the election. Registered voter of the county/supervisor district when sworn in. Must be 18 years of age, with exception of the County Sheriff for which you must be 21 years old. An eligible elector may not: Be a convicted felon, be currently judged incompetent to vote by a court, and claim the right to vote in any other place.
Filing instructions
Filing office address: 316 E 5th St, Room 213, Waterloo, IA 50703
Filing phone number: 319-833-3002
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the County Auditor's office.
Filing requirements: Each candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions or convention certificate with the county auditor for county offices or the Secretary of State's Office for federal and state offices. The affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions or convention certificate must be filed together or they will be rejected. Township officials only file an affidavit of candidacy. Signatures Needed: For County Supervisors in Plan 1 and 2 Counties: At least 250 or 1% of registered voters in the county as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. Plan 3 Counties: At least 150 or 1% of registered voters in the supervisor district as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. County Auditor and the County Sheriff need at least 250 or 1% of registered voters in the county as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. There are no signature requirements for the Township Trustee position. The County Hospital Trustee needs 50 signatures from the county. The Soil and Water Conservation Board needs 25 from the conservation district. The Agricultural Extension Council needs 25 signatures from the extension district.
FAQ
How often is Township Trustee-Township Council elected?
The position of Township Trustee-Township Council is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Bennington township, IA?
Each candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions or convention certificate with the county auditor for county offices or the Secretary of State's Office for federal and state offices. The affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions or convention certificate must be filed together or they will be rejected. Township officials only file an affidavit of candidacy. Signatures Needed: For County Supervisors in Plan 1 and 2 Counties: At least 250 or 1% of registered voters in the county as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. Plan 3 Counties: At least 150 or 1% of registered voters in the supervisor district as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. County Auditor and the County Sheriff need at least 250 or 1% of registered voters in the county as of July 1 of previous year, whichever is less. There are no signature requirements for the Township Trustee position. The County Hospital Trustee needs 50 signatures from the county. The Soil and Water Conservation Board needs 25 from the conservation district. The Agricultural Extension Council needs 25 signatures from the extension district.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Auditor's office.
Where is the filing office?
316 E 5th St, Room 213, Waterloo, IA 50703.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 319-833-3002.
How do I get started running for Township Trustee-Township Council?
You can start running for Township Trustee-Township Council by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for Township Trustee-Township Council does not include a primary or runoff election.
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