The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. They often preside over council meetings and may have the power to hire and fire heads of municipal departments.
Eligibility requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident, and at least 18 years of age. Must not be a convicted felon (unless voting rights have been restored by the president or governor), be currently judged incompetent to vote by a court, or claim the right to vote in any other place.
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FAQ
How often is City Executive//Mayor elected?
The position of City Executive//Mayor 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 West Des Moines, IA?
No filing fee. Petition signature requirement of 10 signatures, or 2% of the people who voted for the office at the last regular city election, whichever is greater
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Auditor's office.
Where is the filing office?
120 2nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 515-286-3247.
How do I get started running for City Executive//Mayor?
You can start running for City Executive//Mayor 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 City Executive//Mayor includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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