Nomination Papers for Newton Municipal Election Available Wednesday

Although voters won't head to the polls for another few months, the election season in Newton will officially kick off this week.

Starting tomorrow, May 1, nomination papers will be available for the Nov. 5, 2013 municipal election. 

The nomination papers will be available in the Election Commission office at City Hall and must be signed and returned to the Election Commission by Tuesday, July 30.

The city's charter states that candidates running for alderman-at-large and School Committee must collect 150 signatures before the nomination papers are certified. Aldermen-at-large and School Committee seats are elected by all city voters.

Ward aldermen, who are only elected by residents in their home ward, must gather 50 signatures.

Mayoral candidates must collect 400 signatures, the charter says.

All 24 Board of Aldermen and eight School Committee seats are up for reelection this fall. The office of mayor is also up for reelection, and Mayor Setti Warren announced last summer his plans to run for a second term.

If needed, a municipal primary election will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013. A primary will be held if the number of candidates totals one more than twice the number of open seats; for example, a primary will be held if there are three candidates for one School Committee seat.

While papers are not officially available until tomorrow, several residents have already announced their plans to run in the fall election. Check our 2013 Newton Municipal Election page for full coverage on the candidates.

Who do you think should run in the fall municipal election? Tell us in the comments section below.