CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

All individuals interested in running for the City of Somerton Council must, at the time of election, be at least 18 years of age, have resided within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Somerton for a minimum of one year, and be a qualified elector in the State of Arizona. Candidates must also be able to speak, read, and write the English language as required by A.R.S. § 38-201, and must not have been convicted of a felony unless their civil rights have been restored.

CANDIDATE PACKETS

Candidate Packets containing the required forms and petitions for individuals interested in running for Council Member will be available at the City Clerk's Office beginning February 2, 2026. Packets may be obtained by scheduling an appointment with the City Clerk at clerk@somertonaz.gov or by calling 928-722-7330.

Please note that the forms included in the packet are subject to change without notice.  Prospective candidates are responsible for ensuring that they submit the correct forms and meet all legal requirements when running  for City office. City staff cannot provide legal or financial advice. Candidates with questions regarding their campaigns should consult with an attorney or other qualified professionals.

STATEMENT OF INTEREST

Before collecting any signatures, a candidate must file a Statement of Interest with the City Clerk. Any signatures collected prior to a Statement of Interest being filed are invalid and subject to challenge.

You may file at any time by scheduling an appointment by calling 928-722-7330 or emailing clerk@somertonaz.gov.

OFFICIAL NOMINATION FILING REQUIREMENTS

Schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to file the following required documents during the nomination filing period (April 23, 2026 – March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM):

  • Nomination Paper/Declaration of Qualification.
  • Nomination Petitions containing no less than 33 valid signatures or more than 65 valid signatures.
  • Financial Disclosure Statement.

A receipt will be issued noting the number of signatures received. Please note that all documents filed are considered public records.

CANDIDATE RESPONSIBILITIES

Each candidate who intends to accept contributions or make expenditures of $500 or more must file a Statement of Organization with the City Clerk within 10 days after meeting the $500 threshold.  If any information reported on the Statement of Organization changes, the political committee must file an amended Statement of Organization reporting the change within five business days.