8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for City Legislature in Cape Girardeau City, MO
Election Date: Apr 7, 2026Filing Deadline: Jan 20, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: city
- 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: Dec 16, 2025 - Jan 20, 2026
- Positions: Cape Girardeau City Council - Ward 3Cape Girardeau City Council - Ward 5Cape Girardeau City Council - Ward 4Cape Girardeau City Council - Ward 6Cape Girardeau City Council - Ward 1...
Job description
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Eligibility requirements
register voter of the city; at least 21 years old; resident of city for at least 2 years immediately prior to the election; resident of their ward for at least 90 days prior to October 24, 2017
Filing instructions
Filing office address: 1 Barton Square, Ste 301 Jackson, MO 63755
Filing phone number: 573-243-3547
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office.
Filing requirements: Nominations of candidates for elective offices shall be by petition. To be valid, any petition for elective office shall be signed by not less than fifty (50) registered voters who are entitled to vote for the candidate so nominated. The signatures shall be executed in ink or indelible pencil. Each signer shall indicate next to his or her signature the date of signing and the place of his or her residence, giving the street and number or other description sufficient to identify his or her place of residence. The city council by ordinance shall designate the appropriate form for nominating petitions and for acceptance of nominations.
FAQ
How often is City Legislature elected?
The position of City Legislature 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 Cape Girardeau City, MO?
Nominations of candidates for elective offices shall be by petition. To be valid, any petition for elective office shall be signed by not less than fifty (50) registered voters who are entitled to vote for the candidate so nominated. The signatures shall be executed in ink or indelible pencil. Each signer shall indicate next to his or her signature the date of signing and the place of his or her residence, giving the street and number or other description sufficient to identify his or her place of residence. The city council by ordinance shall designate the appropriate form for nominating petitions and for acceptance of nominations.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office.
Where is the filing office?
1 Barton Square, Ste 301 Jackson, MO 63755.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 573-243-3547.
How do I get started running for City Legislature?
You can start running for City Legislature 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 Legislature does not include a primary or runoff election.
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