While November is five months away, the election season is about to get underway.

Candidates interested in running for local office during the Nov. 5 Consolidated District Election may apply during the filing period, which will run from July 15 to Aug. 9. Candidates, including incumbents, must file nomination documents during this period in order to run for office and appear on the ballot.

The seats of two Ceres City Council members will be up for grabs during the Nov. 5 municipal election. The terms of Ken Lane and Eric Ingwerson expire at the end of the year and will be filled by voters in the Nov. 5 vote. Ingwerson has said he does not expect to run again.
Candidates will face a deadline this August to turn in nomination papers, which must be signed by a certain number of signatures of current registered voters living within the city limits. 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.

Not facing voters this year are Mayor Chris Vierra and councilmembers Mike Kline and Bret Durossette. Their terms expire at the end of 2015.

Also this November, voters of the Ceres Unified School District will be electing three trustees to sit on the board of directors. The terms of Betty Davis, Lourdes Perez and Valli Wigt all expire this year.

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.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce and Stanislaus County Library and leaders in the local Democratic and Republican parties will be hosting this Saturday's workshop titled, "The Nuts & Bolts of Electioneering; A Free Workshop for Candidates this November and beyond." The event will be held from 8:45 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 13 at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, 1114 J St., Modesto. The workshop will focus on methods of campaigning, using social media, preparing for candidate forums and interviews and answering questionnaires, fundraising and how to comply with state Fair Political Practices Commission filing requirements.

Although the workshop is free, prospective candidates and their supports may make reservations by contacting Meagan Lopez at the chamber office by phone at 577-5757 or e-mail mlopez@modchamber.org. Those who reserve a spot by today are guaranteed handouts.