Candidates, it's time to file

COEUR d’ALENE — Residents interested in running for fire districts, school board trustee positions or municipal leadership roles in the November election face a filing deadline at 5 p.m. on Sept. 6.

The filing period for fire and school districts is underway. Any contested position will appear on the November ballot.

"Most cities have council or mayor positions available and candidates can file starting (Monday)," said Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon.

The notice of filing deadline will also appear in the Press legal notices on Friday.

Candidates must contact their fire district, clerk of the board of trustees of the school district or their city hall for residency requirements.

Filing paperwork must be started and finalized at the fire district office, school district or at city hall.

Fire district and school board trustee candidates must gather signatures of registered voters on their candidacy petitions. City candidates can gather signatures or pay a $40 fee.

If candidates gather signatures, the original petition of candidacy must be submitted to the county's Elections Office to verify voter signatures. Allow enough time for the County Elections Office to verify signatures so the filing can be completed in a timely manner by the city.

"People interested in running for these offices need to take action by Sept. 6 to ensure their names appear on the Nov. 5 ballot," Brannon said. "It’s best to begin early, since the filing process can be time-consuming."

For more information, call the fire district or city hall whose phone numbers appear on your property tax notice, or call Kootenai County Elections at 208-446-1030.