2010 Election FAQ’s questions

1.  When is the next election?
• April 13, 2010.
  
  
2. What seats will be open?
• Mayor, At-Large A, At-Large B, Central District, and Southeast District.
  
  
3. Are all the positions full-time?
• The City of Sioux Falls has a full-time Mayor and part-time City Council.
  
  
4. Where do I go to obtain paper work to run for office?
• Election documents are available in the City Clerk’s Office, 235 W. 10^th St., and online at www.siouxfalls.org. Information online can be found under Elections, 2010 Elections. Candidate documents are located in the Campaign Finance Reporting Guidelines booklet.
  
  
5. Can anyone run for office?
• Yes, but there are stipulations. According to Article II, Section 2.02 (b) Eligibility. Only the registered voters of the city who have resided in the city for at least six (6) months immediately prior to the date of election shall be eligible to hold the office of council member or mayor.
  
  
6. Does it matter if you live in Minnehaha or Lincoln County?
• No, but you must be a resident of the City of Sioux Falls.
  
  
7. Does your political affiliation matter?
• No. According to Article VI, Section 6.01 (c) of the City Charter, “Candidates shall run for office without party designation.”
  
  
8. Do I have to pay some sort of fee to run for office?
• No.
  
  
9. How soon can I start campaigning?
• After filing the necessary paperwork, in the City Clerk’s Office, declaring your candidacy.
  
  
10. How many times does the City Council meet?
• The full City Council meets at 4:00 p.m., on the first three Mondays and last Monday of the month for Informational Meetings; at 5:00 p.m. on the third Monday of the month for a Joint City/Minnehaha County meeting; at 7:00 p.m. on the first three Mondays of the month for City Council Meetings; at 7:00 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month for a Joint City/Lincoln County meeting. Council members also serve on a variety of committee meetings, which meet monthly. There is a minimum of 12 meetings a month, which involve members of the City Council. A copy of the City Council Meetings calendar is available online on the Elections page.
  
  
11. How much is the Mayor’s salary?
• For 2009, it is $110,872.80.
  
  
12. How much is the City Council’s salary?
• For 2009, it is $16,630.92, which is 15 percent of the Mayor’s salary.
  
  
13. Is there any traveling involved?
• Sometimes. The Mayor and City Council members have opportunities to attend both in-state and out-of-state meetings and conferences.
  
  
14. If I decide to run for office will my name automatically appear on the ballot?
• No. According to Article VI, Section 6.01 (c) of the City Charter, candidates need to collect 200 signatures of registered voters of the city (for Mayor or At-Large candidates) or district thereof who shall be eligible to vote for the nominee.
  
  
15. What if I change my mind and no longer want to run for office, after I have started campaigning?
• You will need to sign a statement, at the City Clerk’s Office, that you wish to withdraw.
  
  
16. Do I have to pay for everything myself regarding my campaign?
• Candidates may accept donations towards their campaign. Consult Sioux Falls Code Chapter 14 Elections, regarding contribution guidelines. Information is available in the City Clerk’s Office and online at www.siouxfalls.org.
  
  
17. Are there any jobs that I cannot hold if I am elected to the City Council?
• Yes. According to Article II, Section 2.05 (a) of the City Charter, “No council member shall hold any other elected public office during the term for which the member was elected to the council. No council member shall hold any other city office or city employment during the terms for which the member was elected or appointed to the council.”
  
  
18. Does the City Council have an office, like the Mayor does?
• The City Council, being a part time position, does not have a formal office like the Mayor. They do have a shared office, within the City Clerk’s Office.
  
  
19. How long is a term for City Council and Mayor?
• According to Article II, Section 2.02 (c) of the City Charter, “The terms of council members shall be four (4) years beginning on the third Monday of May following the official canvass of any final council or mayoral election, whichever is later, and shall continue until a successor has been elected and takes office. No council member may serve more than two (2) full or partial terms consecutively; however, a council member may immediately thereafter be a candidate for mayor. The two consecutive term limit shall apply regardless of whether a council member has served as a district or an at large council member of both.
  
  
20. Where is the City Clerk’s Office?
• The office is located on the main level of the Carnegie Town Hall at 235 W. 10^th St. The City Clerk’s office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The City Clerk’s Office number is 367-8080.