Here is an update on the recent primary elections held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, plus valuable information regarding the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election often referred to as the Presidential Election, as well as crucial details for those interested in running for a seat on the Cloverdale City Council.
Primary Elections Recap:
The primary elections held on March 5th earlier this month marked a pivotal moment in our community’s democratic process. Voters turned out to cast their ballots and voice their preferences for candidates vying for positions of leadership in the State Assembly as well as Measure H, which would approve a sales tax for local emergency services and disaster response.
The primary elections are essential as they narrow down the field of candidates, allowing the top contenders to advance to the General Municipal Election in November. The City of Cloverdale is situated within the 2nd District of the State Assembly. The top two leading candidates for State Assembly will face a runoff in the November 5 General Elections. At the time of writing this article, Measure H appears to have garnered over 60% approval on its way to becoming enacted. Measure H is expected to enable the Cloverdale Fire Department to hire additional full time firefighters and much needed emergency equipment.
Preparations for November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election:
There are two seats on the Cloverdale City Council that will open for election on the November 5 Election. In addition, Cloverdale will be considering whether to place various ballot measures before registered voters in the city including whether to update the City’s Urban Growth Boundary and a potential revenue measure.
Interested in Running for Council?
If you’re considering a run for the Cloverdale City Council, now is the time to take action. To become a qualified candidate, you must adhere to specific guidelines and timelines. The Nomination Period is a critical window during which prospective candidates must fulfill necessary requirements to ensure their eligibility.
Qualification/Nomination Process
In order to be elected into public office, all interested candidates must become a Qualified Candidate (including write-in candidates). In order to become qualified, eligible candidates must make an appointment with the Elections Official during the Nomination Period. At this meeting, potential candidates will review the virtual Candidate’s Guide and the mandatory nomination forms / papers which must be filed prior to the end of the nomination period.
Nomination Period (2024)
July 15, 2024 at 8 a.m. through August 9, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Cloverdale City Clerk Mike Maloney serves as the City’s Election Official, and is responsible for managing this essential aspect of the electoral process:
1. Establishing Procedures: The City Clerk, in collaboration with the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters and in accordance with state and local laws, establishes procedures and guidelines for the qualification and nomination of candidates. These procedures ensure transparency, fairness, and
adherence to legal requirements throughout the process.
2. Providing Information: The City Clerk serves as a primary point
of contact for prospective candidates, providing them with comprehensive information about eligibility requirements, nomination procedures, and key deadlines. This information is crucial for ensuring that candidates understand the steps they need to take to run for office.
3. Accepting Nomination Papers: During the designated nomination period, the City Clerk is responsible for accepting nomination papers from candidates seeking to run for local office. Nomination papers typically include forms and documents that demonstrate the candidate’s eligibility and support for their candidacy, such as nomination petitions and statements of qualifications.
4. Reviewing Candidate Qualifications: Upon receiving nomination papers, the City Clerk carefully reviews the documents to ensure that candidates meet all eligibility requirements specified by law and municipal ordinances. This may include verifying the candidate’s residency status, age, voter registration, and any other relevant criteria.
5. Certifying Qualified Candidates: Once the review process is complete and it is determined that a candidate meets all necessary qualifications, the City Clerk certifies them as a qualified candidate for the upcoming election. This certification signifies that the candidate has met the legal requirements to appear on the ballot.
6. Facilitating Ballot Placement: After certifying qualified candidates, the City Clerk coordinates with election officials to ensure that their names appear correctly on the ballot. This involves overseeing the printing and distribution of ballots and providing instructions to voters on how to cast their votes.
7. Providing Public Notice: Throughout the qualification and nomination process, the City Clerk is responsible for providing public notice of key dates, deadlines, and requirements related to candidate eligibility and the election itself. This ensures that residents are informed and have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
Our City Clerk plays a central role in upholding the integrity and efficiency of the qualification and nomination process for local elections. By administering procedures fairly and transparently, the City Clerk helps to ensure that candidates have equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process and that voters can make informed choices at the ballot box.
Stay Informed and Engaged:
Potential candidates should review the new digital Candidate Guide prepared by the City Clerk, available at www.cloverdale.net/24candidateguide, or simply scan the QR Code. This comprehensive guide outlines essential information, including eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, and key deadlines. Familiarizing yourself with these details is the first step towards a successful candidacy.
General Municipal Election Information:
For comprehensive information regarding the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election, including details about local ballot measures, voter resources, and campaign guidelines, please visit www.cloverdale.net/elections. This dedicated webpage will serve as your go-to resource as we approach the election date. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and important announcements.
Your participation in the electoral process is vital. Whether you’re casting your vote, considering a run for office, or simply staying informed about local governance, your engagement contributes to the vibrancy and strength of our city. According to the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters’ March 5, 2024 Registration Report, Cloverdale has 5,339 registered voters – every individual vote truly does make a significant impact on the results. Your vote matters!