Informative Seminars for Potential Candidates in July

In preparation for the impending Nov. 8 Consolidated Municipal, School and Special District Election, two candidate seminars will be held at the San Mateo Elections Office this month.

The first will take place Wednesday, July 13 at 2 p.m. and the second will be held on July 21 at 10 a.m. Those considering candidacy are welcome to attend, along with their campaign staffs.

A seminar on voter data will also be available to possible candidates, and will take place on July 29 at 2 p.m. at the same location.

The seminars will focus on topics such as candidacy filing, required forms, voter registration guidelines, and campaign finance reports.

"Traditionally, we offer candidate seminars to help candidates or interested parties obtain information about the requirements to run for local office,” said Mark Church, San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer. “Once the mechanics of running for office are understood, the filing process is no longer complicated.”

At each seminar, attendees will be provided with an updated 54 page Candidate’s Guide, which focuses on the process of filing for candidacy amongst other topics.

"At the seminar, elections staff will review the pertinent details and procedures that apply to candidates for local office," Church said. 

On Tuesday, Church said that the candidate filing period for the upcoming election will open at 8 a.m. on July 18 and run through Aug. 12.

There are 44 local jurisdictions that will appear on the ballot, which includes 13 cities, 14 school districts and 17 special districts. One of those school districts is Belmont-Redwood Shores School District, with three seats open, and the city of Belmont also has two open seats on City Council.

The positions of Belmont City Clerk and City Treasurer are also available.