By Staff
LANSING - A new election consolidation law requires persons interested in running for a seat on a local school board to file by Tuesday, Feb. 8.
That's a full two months earlier than in the past, points out the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB).
Its annual guide to school elections details all the changes under the new law and explains all the requirements to get on the ballot.
For decades, school elections have been held on a Monday in mid-June with filing deadlines in April.
Now, most local Board of Education elections will occur May 3.
This year's early filing deadline requires prompt action by candidates to qualify for a spot on the ballot, according to MASB.
Key deadlines for citizens to file their forms are:
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 4 p.m. - Nominating petitions and affidavits of identity due. (A $100 non-refundable fee may be filed in lieu of a petition).
Friday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. - Deadline for a written withdrawal.
Friday, April 29, 4 p.m. - Deadline for write-in candidates to file intent.
Under the new law, candidates must file their petitions with either their city or township clerk, or with the county clerk.
According to MASB's "2005 Candidates Guide to School Board Elections," where they file depends on what their school district boundaries are.
Key deadlines for intermediate school district board elections and campaign finance rules are also spelled out in the MASB guide.
Not all school elections will occur in May, although Dowagiac's will because the school board made that decision last Oct. 25 after a hearing at which no public comment was heard.
Some boards adopted Nov. 8 for their election.
Contact your local school districts for specific details on election dates.