Update: this story has been updated to include additional information about the intentions of incumbents as reported by the city clerk.
By Kim McDarison
Today marks the first day candidates interested in running for seats that will be decided during the Spring General Election may begin circulating nomination papers.
Offices with seats for election appearing on the Wisconsin General Spring Election ballot include the State Supreme Court, intermediate appellate courts and those within municipal government and local school boards.
Information released by Whitewater City Clerk Michele Smith thus far notes that Whitewater Common Council incumbents Carol McCormick, representing Aldermanic District 1; Brienne Brown, representing Aldermanic District 3; Greg Majkrzak, representing Aldermanic District 5, and Lisa Dawsey Smith, representing the city at-large hold seats that will come due for reelection this spring.
The Whitewater Common Council is a seven-member board, with candidates each serving two-year terms.
The Spring General Election will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
A deadline for incumbents to file notification on non-candidacy is Friday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.
Dawsey Smith shared with Fort Atkinson Online Thursday that she has filed her declaration of candidacy and is in the process of circulating nomination papers.
Additionally Michele Smith reported late Thursday that McCormick filed a statement of non-candidacy earlier this week, and Majkrzak has indicated that he might not run again, although he has not yet filed a statement of non-candidacy.
Also, she noted that Brown and Judge Patrick Taylor, whose seat also is due for reelection in April, have both indicated that they plan to run in the upcoming election, however they have not yet filed declarations of candidacy.
Those interested in running for one of the four open council seats must file a Declaration of Candidacy Form (EL-162) and a Nomination Papers for Nonpartisan Office form (EL-169) with the Whitewater city clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023. Filing by the deadline ensures that the candidates’ name will be placed on the general election printed ballot.
Candidates must also complete and submit a Registration Statement Form (CF-1) prior to raising or spending any funds. The deadline for the submittal of the form is Jan. 3.
For new candidates, the registration statement must be filed before collection or spending of funds and before submitting nomination papers.
Whitewater is designated by the state of Wisconsin as a Third Class city. Candidates running for aldermanic seats in Third Class cities, a designation given according to population, must collect between 100 and 200 signatures from eligible voters living within the areas they will represent on nomination papers.
An explanation of the state’s designation by class for cities is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Wisconsin#:~:text=Cities%20in%20Wisconsin%20are%20divided%20into%20four%20classes%3A,Fourth%20class%3A%20Cities%20with%209%2C999%20or%20fewer%20residents.
Candidates may not begin collecting signatures on nomination papers before Dec. 1, 2022.
A primary election is required if more than two candidates within each aldermanic district or for the single open at-large seat come forward. If a primary election becomes necessary, it will be held on Feb. 21, 2023.
For further information about running for a city council seat, and obtaining and submitting required papers, contact city clerk Michele Smith: msmith@whitewater-wi.gov.
The Whitewater Municipal Building is located at 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater.
Information provided by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for candidates is here: https://elections.wi.gov/candidates.
Whitewater Municipal Building, file photo/Kim McDarison.
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