The opening week of candidate season turned out to be a real snoozer. City Clerk Cindy Heidorn reported nobody picked up nomination papers in the race for Ceres City Council until Monday.

Prospective candidates have until Aug. 9 to file papers to place their name on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The seats of Ken Lane and Eric Ingwerson on the City Council are up for grabs. Ingwerson has indicated that he won't run again. Lane picked up papers on Monday for re-election. Linda Ryno may also run for a seat.

To qualify as a candidate for Ceres City Council, one must be a resident of the city, at least 18 years of age and a registered voter in the city. Candidates must pick up nomination papers, which must be signed by no less than 20 and no more than 30 signatures of registered voters living within the city limits. Candidates are advised to get a few more than 20 signatures just in case the county learns that "nominators" are actually not registered voters. The city clerk handles the process nomination papers but the county conducts the election, which is expected to cost the city $20,000, charged by the Stanislaus County Elections Division.

Voters of the Ceres Unified School District will be electing three trustees for the board of directors. The terms of Betty Davis, Lourdes Perez and Valli Wigt all expire this year. The district eliminated at-large seats and replaced them with trustee areas. Anyone interested in learning about which trustee area they live in may contact the school district at 556-1500 or visit their website at www.ceres.k12.ca.u, click on the Board of Trustees tab at the top, then on Trustee District Information, then on Trustee District Assignment Information.

Residents of Keyes will be voting for representatives to their Community Services District Board and Municipal Advisory Council. Keyes voters will also be electing three trustees to the Keyes Union School District.
Three director positions for the Turlock Irrigation District - from Divisions 2, 3, and 5 will also be on the ballot.

Candidates for the city offices must see city clerk Cindy Heidorn at Ceres City Hall. Candidates for all other offices must contact the county Elections office at 1021 I Street, Suite 301, Modesto.

Qualifications for most positions include residence in the district and at least 18 years of age.
For more information on how to file candidacy papers, visit stanvote.com.