Candidate Information Election Packet

The Board of Supervisors of Elections thanks you for your interest in the elections process of the City of Rockville.  Enclosed in this packet are all of the materials, forms and critical information, including deadlines, that pertain to elections in the City. The right to vote and the ability to hold elected office are among our most cherished privileges as American citizens.  In Rockville, those privileges are regulated by laws written in the City Code and through the oversight provided by the citizens who comprise the Board of Supervisors of Elections.  Within city government, the Office of the City Clerk and the Office of the City Attorney work with the Board to manage the elections process. Elections in Rockville are non-partisan. Candidacy is open to any person over 18 years of age who meets the following qualifications for office: 1. Persons must be registered voters, having resided in the City for at least  (1) year immediately preceding the elections.  This year’s election will be November 6, 2007. 2. Persons wishing to be placed on the ballot as a candidate must be nominated by a petition meeting certain requirements: (a)  The petition must be filed with the Board of Supervisors of Elections at least sixty (60) calendar days preceding the general election.  The 2007 deadline for filing is September 7, 2007.     (b) The petition must be signed by at least one hundred (100) registered voters who reside within the incorporated limits of the City of Rockville. Please note that the information in the “General Information” section of the Candidate’s Packet regarding the City of Rockville’s Code provisions for election signs has been updated.  If you have previously run for office, this information differs from that provided in the packet in 2003 and 2005. The Board of Supervisors of Elections takes its responsibility as the steward of the elections process very seriously and is proud of the part that it plays in the process. The Board believes that fair and open elections enhance the ability of citizens to participate in this most essential of the civic activities. The City Code is very specific in terms of defining what is considered to be prohibited campaign practices. The Board of Supervisors of Elections appreciates that any individual who is a candidate for office aspires to a high standard of ethical and fair behavior. Rockville is a small community where candidates are neighbors as well as fellow participants in an election. Persons who file as official candidates may be contacted by staff from various departments of the City to coordinate certain activities related to running for office in Rockville throughout the election cycle.  For example, every candidate will be afforded an opportunity to submit information for Rockville Reports, the City’s Web site, and the Rockville Channel (Cable Channel 11) .  Also, all candidates are invited to participate in the an orientation to Rockville’s government sometime in September.  All information regarding such activities will be coordinated through the City Clerk’s Office cooperation with the respective departments. The Board of Supervisors of Elections and the Offices of the City Clerk and City Attorney look forward to working with you.  Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 240-314-8280 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the materials enclosed in this packet or the elections process. Section 1 General Information 2 Candidate Checklist for Filing 3  Check Memo for Registration of Committee/Slate 4 Designation of Campaign Depository (Candidate) 5 Campaign Fund Report 6 Rockville City Charter & Chapter 8 "Elections"