Fairfield deputy city clerk outlines steps to run for city office

Esther Beavers, deputy city clerk, outlined the steps Fairfield residents must follow to become candidates in the November general election, including nomination timing, signature requirements, residency verification and how to file required campaign forms.

Beavers said the nomination period "begins in July and ends in August," and noted the city extends the deadline if an incumbent fails to file by a specific cutoff. She listed offices that may appear on the ballot in an election year: council districts 1 through 6, and the at-large offices of mayor, city clerk and city treasurer.

She described the two-step appointment process at the city clerk's office. "When meeting with the city clerk's office to pick up nomination papers, allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour for the appointment," Beavers said. At the first appointment the office issues nomination papers specific to the candidate, reviews the documentation needed to qualify, and sets up an online filing account to complete forms required by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

Before a candidate may run, the clerk's office will verify the individual is a registered voter within Fairfield, which requires providing a date of birth, and reiterated that candidates "must live within the city's limits to run for an elected position." Beavers said nomination papers must include 20 to 30 signatures of registered Fairfield voters; those signatures are forwarded to the county elections office for verification.

She noted a distinction for district council seats: signatures for council candidates must come from voters in the district the candidate would represent, while the mayor, city clerk and treasurer seats may be signed by any registered Fairfield voter. "If it is confirmed that you have the required ballot signatures, you are then a qualified candidate," Beavers said. She added that candidates who do not have a minimum of 20 valid signatures "may or may not have time to collect additional signatures before the deadline," and that the clerk's office will notify candidates of their status.

Candidates who choose to submit a candidate statement may pay a fee to publish it in the voter guide; Beavers said this is optional but recommended. She urged prospective candidates to review FPPC manuals and campaign forms, available on the city's elections webpage, and provided contact information for appointments: cityclerk@fairfield.ca.gov and 707-428-7384.

The city clerk's office, Beavers said, manages the election process, the adoption of results and the filing of campaign disclosure statements and is available to help candidates with their legal responsibilities before, during and after the election.