INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Candidates seeking nomination for the office of Cottonwood City Council (including write-in candidates) must:

         • Be a qualified elector at the time of filing their nomination paper;

          • Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing their nomination paper;

          • Meet local residency requirements (resided within the incorporated City limits for at least one year preceding the 

             date of the election);

          • Be able to speak, write, and read the English language.

Individuals may be nominated to run for Cottonwood City Council by a petition process. The individual must FIRST file a Statement of Interest with the City Clerk. This form is not a formal declaration of candidacy and it does not guarantee the candidate's name will appear on the ballot. It simply states your intentions of running for office and is the first step in the nomination process.

Following filing of your Statement of Interest, and if you are interested in running as a candidate in the 2026 City of Cottonwood Election, election packets may be obtained beginning in November 2025 at:

Cottonwood City Clerk’s Office

824 North Main Street

Cottonwood, AZ 86326

You must make an appointment with the City Clerk to obtain your packet and review the materials. Please call (928) 340-2727 or email the City Clerk Department at cityclerk@cottonwoodaz.gov to make an appointment.

Nomination Signatures Required for Cottonwood City Council Candidates:

• Minimum required: 128 valid signatures from qualified electors (registered voters in Cottonwood)
• Maximum accepted: 257 signatures
• Signatures must be from registered voters who live in the City of Cottonwood

PRIMARY ELECTION – JULY 21, 2026 (NEW PRIMARY DATE)

First Day to File Nomination Papers  --   February 21, 2026 (150 days to election)

Last Day to File Nomination Papers --  March 23, 2026 (120 days to election)

Last Day for Write-In Candidates to File -- May 22, 2026 (60 days to election)

ELECTION DAY -- July 21, 2026

GENERAL (RUNOFF) ELECTION (if necessary) – NOVEMBER 3, 2026

First Day to File Nomination Papers -- June 6, 2026 (150 days to election)

Last Day to File Nomination Papers -- July 6, 2026 (120 days to election)

Last Day for Write-In Candidates to File -- September 4, 2026  (60 days to election)

ELECTION DAY -- November 3, 2026