Election season begins in Lewiston, Auburn; candidate nominations open

AUBURN — Election season kicks off Monday as would-be candidates for city offices in Lewiston and Auburn can begin collecting signatures on nomination petitions.

All elected offices in both cities will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. That includes School Committee members, city councilors and mayors.

Aspiring candidates in both cities need to collect signatures from registered voters in their neighborhood to secure a spot on the ballot. The number of signatures varies between position and city.

In Auburn, potential candidates can get nomination petitions at the City Clerk’s office in Auburn Hall. All seats are for two years, beginning in late December.

Candidates for Auburn mayor must submit nomination papers signed by no fewer than 100 qualified registered voters. Candidates for the City Council or the School Committee must submit completed nomination papers signed by no fewer than 25 qualified voters.

At-large candidates, including those for mayor and at-large City Council and School Committee, can collect signatures from any registered voter in the city. Those seeking City Council and School Committee ward seats must collect signatures from registered voters living in their wards.

Auburn candidates must return their completed nomination papers to the City Clerk’s office by Aug. 20 to qualify for a spot on the Nov. 3 ballots. Questions should be directed to the City Clerk at 333-6601.

Lewiston candidates have until Sept. 4 to complete their nomination papers and to reserve a spot on the ballot. They can register and pick them up at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall.

Mayoral candidates need to collect between 100 and 200 signatures from residents living anywhere in Lewiston. City Council and School Committee candidates need to collect between 50 and 100 signatures.

At-large School Committee candidates can collect signatures from residents living anywhere in the city. All other candidates need signatures from residents living in the ward they would like to represent.

staylor@sunjournal.com