City council candidates begin collecting signatures

Residents of Holyoke are used to seeing the election of city council members in April, but as of this year, the mayor and city council members will be elected in November. Those interested in running for office will need to file their nomination petitions in August.

Tuesday, Aug. 4, was the first day that residents could pick up packets at the City office and start circulating their nomination petitions. They will need to collect 25 valid signatures from registered electors in Holyoke, and the last day to file a petition is Monday, Aug. 24.

The last day to submit an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate is Friday, Aug. 28.

This year, the terms of Mayor Orville Tonsing and city council members Kevin Scott, Scott Murray and John Schneider expire. All four indicated last week that they are undecided as to whether they will seek reelection.

On Nov. 3, Holyoke residents will elect a mayor and three city council members.

To qualify for office, one must be:

— A United States citizen.

— A registered elector for the City of Holyoke.

— At least 18 years old on the day of the election.

— A resident of Holyoke for 12 consecutive months preceding the date of the election.