Town Elections
Overview
Town elections are held on the first Monday in May every year. In even-numbered years, voters select candidates for the office of Mayor and two seats on the Town Council. In odd-number years, voters select candidates for three seats on the Town Council.
All elected officials have a two-year term. The elected Mayor and Town Councilmembers take office at the Town Council meeting following the election, or one week from the date of the election.
Qualifications for Elected Office
The requirements to hold a Town elected office are set forth in Section 78-6 of the Garrett Park Town Charter. The Mayor and members of the Town Council shall be citizens of the United States, shall have resided in the Town for at least one year prior to their election, and shall be qualified voters of the Town.
All candidates for elected office are required to file a financial disclosure form with the Town no later than 21 days prior to the Town Election. Failure to file the required financial disclosure form shall result in the removal of the candidate’s name from the election ballot. The financial disclosure form can be found here.
Qualifications of Voters
Every person who (1) legally resides within the corporate limits of the Town on the day he or she registers to vote and continuously thereafter until casting his or her vote in any Garrett Park election, (2) is at least eighteen years of age, and (3) is registered either in the County or in the Town, is a qualified voter of the Town. Every qualified voter of the Town is entitled to vote in all Town elections, whether or not they are a citizen of the United States.