The race to the Nov. 4, 2014 General Election begins today in communities like Hanover, Otsego, St. Michael and Albertville as the filing period begins for city council, school board and county offices statewide.
The filing period opened at 8 a.m. in communities throughout the state today, and will close Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the close of business hours at city halls. Those that wish to withdraw their name from the ballot after filing have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.
In St. Michael, there are three seats open, including that of Kevin Kasel, the city council member who is running for election to the Minnesota State House in District 30B. Also up for re-election is council member Nadine Schoen and Mayor Jerry Zachman. Council members serve four-year terms in St. Michael, while the mayor serves two years.
Over in Otsego, there are two four-year seats up for grabs this general election, with council members Tom Darkenwald and Vern Heidner each up for re-election.
In Albertville, Mayor Jillian Hendrickson will be vying for a second two-year term, and will be running in 2014. Council member Dan Wagner’s seat will be open, while Rob Olson will also face re-election. Council seats are four-year terms.
On the St. Michael-Albertville School Board, there are again two seats up for re-election. Longtime chair Douglas Birk will look to retain his seat. Gayle Weber is also up for re-election in 2014. Jeff Lindquist will also see his current term end in 2014.
And in Hanover, a pair of four-year council seats are up for election. Those are currently held by Ken Warpula and Wendy Pinor.
Candidates must file an affidavit within their respective jurisdiction to run for public office. Those are available through the filing period at both city hall (in the respective community) or at the St. Michael-Albertville School District offices. Candidates must be registered voters and eligible to vote (i.e. cannot be convicted of a recent felony), must be 21 years old or older, and must have been a resident for 30 days prior to the Nov. 4 election.