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Colmar Manor councilmember Sofia Emirates will resign; special election set for May 5
Summary
Ward 3 councilmember Sofia Emirates told the Feb. 16 Colmar Manor meeting she is moving and will vacate her seat effective Feb. 22; the council adopted Resolution R012026 to hold a special election on May 5, with candidate packets available Feb. 23 and filings due March 13.
Council member Sofia Emirates (Ward 3) announced at the Colmar Manor mayor and council meeting on Feb. 16 that she will move out of town and step down from the council, effective Sunday, Feb. 22. "My final day as council member for Ward 3 will be this Sunday, February 22," Emirates said.
The council responded by formally scheduling a special election to fill the vacancy. At the meeting the body read and adopted Resolution R012026, which authorizes a special election on May 5, 2026 to fill the Ward 3 seat pursuant to the town charter. The resolution directs the clerk‑treasurer to provide notice, prepare ballots and oversee candidate filings in accordance with Charter section 3.06.
Juan Antonio Casanes, speaking for the town's Board of Elections supervisors, outlined the calendar for the special election. "The packet for candidates should be available by 9AM on February 23," Casanes said, and he confirmed candidate petitions must be filed by March 13 at 5 p.m. Absentee ballots may be requested beginning Feb. 23 through April 24, with absentee ballot pickup beginning April 6. Election day is set for May 5, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The council approved both the resolution and the special‑election schedule by voice votes. The town will publish the candidate packet online and make paper copies available at town hall when the Board of Elections posts them. Residents interested in running must meet the eligibility rules Casanes cited (age and residency requirements and at least 10 resident signatures on a petition) and follow the filing deadlines the board provided.
Next steps: the Board of Elections will make candidate materials available Feb. 23 and the town clerk will administer filings and ballot preparation ahead of the May 5 special election.
