In May, Salemites will elect a majority of the city council and get a say in candidates for Marion and Polk county offices, including commissioners.
The deadline to file for city and county offices is Tuesday, March 12.
The Salem Reporter says that Nonpartisan races, which include Salem city council and mayor, as well as many county offices, are typically settled during the primary election on May 21.
If one candidate gets at least 50% plus one of all votes cast, only that candidate’s name appears on the November ballot. Close races or races with more than two candidates may lead to runoffs in November.
To appear on the ballot, city of Salem candidates must turn in enough signatures to qualify by 4 p.m. March 12. Mayoral candidates need 200 validated signatures, and city council candidates need 50.
County races do not require signatures.
To file to run for office, candidates can find forms on the city website, Marion County website and Polk County website.
The city recommends prospective candidates schedule an interview with the City Recorder by emailing cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net or calling 503-588-6097.
