Election petitions for Columbia City Council available next week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia announced in a Wednesday press release that election petitions for two City Council seats are available to be picked up next week.

Would-be candidates can begin filing for the April 2 election on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and file no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.

There will be elections for the Ward 2 and 6 seats. The seats are currently held by Ward 2 Councilwoman Andrea Waner and Ward 6 Councilwoman Betsy Peters.

Those interested in running have to be a qualified and registered voter in their respective ward. Applicants can also not hold “any other lucrative public officer no any lucrative position in the City government.” Applications can be picked up and completed at the city clerk’s office, or can be downloaded from the city’s website.

Candidates must obtain at least 50 signatures from residents who reside and are registered voters of the same ward, according to the release.  Applications can be picked up at the city clerk’s office between 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays, or be downloaded from the city’s website.

Waner announced her resignation earlier this month, effective Nov. 22. Waner told ABC 17 News on Oct. 2 that she is resigning because she is moving into a new home outside of Ward 2. The city announced earlier this month that it will be accepting applications for an appointment until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. Two people have applied for the position so far, and that person will serve until the election.