Punta Gorda to Elect Two Council Members this Year for those Qualifying in June

This year on Tuesday, November 5, the City of Punta Gorda will elect two members to the City Council, for a two year term, one from District 3, one from District 5.  The process for obtaining one of these seats has begun.   Each prospective candidate must have at least 25 but no more than 50 registered voter petitions signed by individuals in the District in which they intend to run.  Then the actual qualification process starts on June 3.  

Monday, June 3, 2013 is the first day candidates can qualify. 

To qualify for candidacy, candidates must reside within the district they wish to represent six months prior to the election and throughout the term, must be a qualified elector of the City and  hold no other compensated public office other than notary public or member of the National Guard or armed forces reserve.

Qualifying requires a petition signed by at least 25 and not more than 50 registered voters residing within the district the candidate is seeking to represent. Various forms required by the State of Florida are also required. A candidate’s packet including these forms and petition is provided to any interested person at the City Clerk's Office. Once qualified as a candidate, all Federal, State and Local election laws must be adhered to.

Thus far, Charlie Counsil and Nancy Prafke have declared they will be running for the City Council  seat in District 5.   Carolyn Freeland has indicated her intention to rerun for the Council Seat in District 3.  

Qualifying ends at noon on Friday, June 7, 2013. Candidate Packets are available through the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 326 W. Marion Avenue. For additional information regarding the election, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 575-3369.