The City of Cape Coral will be holding Primary and General Elections in 2009.  The Primary Election will be held September 15, 2009.  The General Election will be held November 3, 2009.  City voters will elect Council members for Council Districts 1, 4, and 6 in addition to a Mayor.  This is a non-partisan election.

Qualifying for potential candidates will begin Monday, July 6, 2009 at noon and end Friday, July 10, 2009 at noon.  

The Mayor and all candidates must be continuous, full-time residents of the City for the entire calendar year preceding their qualification for office.  Candidates qualifying in Districts 1, 4, and 6 must reside in their respective Districts. The terms of office for the Mayor and Council seats in Districts 1, 4, and 6 are four (4) years.  All terms begin the 1st regular Council meeting held after the date of the General Election.

The total fee to run for the office of Mayor is $360.44, which includes the filing fee of $150.00 plus the Election Assessment fee of 1% of the annual salary of $21,044.20 ($210.44).  The total fee to run for the office of Council Member is $278.88, which includes the filing fee of $100 plus the Election Assessment fee of 1% of the annual salary of $17,887.57 ($178.88).

The Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository form can be found on the City website. A campaign file may be opened with the City Clerk’s office any time prior to or during qualifying week.  Opening a bank account does not need to be done immediately, but is recommended that the account be opened as soon as possible after filing the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository forms.  This is recommended so that the account will be in place for expenditures and receipt of contribution in connection with the candidate’s campaign.  Only persons designated as treasurer or deputy treasurer may sign campaign account checks.  A candidate may act as his/her own treasurer or deputy treasurer.  Up to three deputy treasurers may be appointed to sign checks in the treasurer’s absence.

During the qualifying period (Monday, July 6, 2009 at noon through Friday, July 10, 2009 at noon) candidates can pay the required fees and complete all necessary paperwork in the Office of the City Clerk.  A Financial Disclosure Form must be completed and you must show your voter registration card. 

For more information about qualifying, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (239)574-0417 or email ctyclk@capecoral.net.