Run for City Council

Thinking about serving your community? Running for City Council is a great way to help shape policy, budgets, and long-term priorities. This page explains who can run, how to get on the ballot, and where to find forms, deadlines, and support.

Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 207-332-8332 or dwheeler@cityofbath.com, or visit City Hall at 55 Front St., Bath, ME 04530. Office hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM- 5:00 PM

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Quick Facts (for this election)

• Election date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025]
• Offices on the ballot: Ward 5, Ward 7, At-Large- Three-Year Term (View Ward Map here)
• Nomination papers available: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
• Nomination filing deadline: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 5:00 PM
• Signature requirement: You need at least 35 valid signatures from registered voters in your ward, or 50 signatures if running for an at-large seat.
• Term length: 3 Years

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What City Council Does

City Council sets policy, adopts the budget, passes ordinances, and provides oversight for City services. Councilors work closely with the City Manager and staff, serve on committees, and represent residents at public meetings and events.

Time commitment (typical):

• Regular Council meetings: 2 meeting/month. Meetings are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. 
• Workshops/committee work:-2–4 hours/month
• Community engagement, reading, and prep: Varies

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Who Can Run (Eligibility)

To qualify as a candidate for City Council, you must:

• Be a registered voter in the City of Bath
• Be a resident of Bath (and of the ward you seek to represent, if running for a ward seat).
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day.
• Not hold any other City office or employment

Note: Certain conflicts of interest or current positions may affect eligibility. See the City Charter or ask the City Clerk.

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How to Get on the Ballot (Step-by-Step)

Pick up nomination papers

• Where: City Clerk’s Office, 55 Front St. Bath, ME 04530
• When: Starting July 1

Collect signatures

• You need at least 35 valid signatures from registered voters in your ward, or 50 signatures if running for an at-large seat.

Tip: Collect more than required in case some are invalid.

File your papers

• Return completed nomination papers to the City Clerk no earlier than the third Wednesday of July and no later than the third Wednesday of August. The Clerk will time-stamp, review, and verify signatures.

Ballot placement

• After verification, your name will appear on the ballot for the November election

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Candidate Conduct & Use of City Spaces

• Campaigning near polling places: Follow no-electioneering distance rules.
• Yard signs: Obey City sign ordinances and any state rules (placement, size, right-of-way).
• Public records: Communications with City staff may be subject to public records laws.
• Social media: Use personal or campaign accounts—do not use City channels for campaign purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in the ward to run for that ward’s seat?
Yes, for ward seats, you must reside in the ward at the time required by the Charter. At-large seats are citywide.

How many signatures do I need?
50 valid signatures from Bath voters in the Ward you reside, 100 valid signatures if running at large. We recommend collecting at least Required Votes + 25%.

What happens if a signature is invalid?
If you fall below the threshold after verification, you won’t qualify for the ballot. Return early so the Clerk can flag issues before the deadline.

Are there debates or forums?
Community groups sometimes host forums. These are not run by the City. We will post links to public events if organizers share them.

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Contact

City Clerk’s Office
55 Front St. Bath, ME • 207-443-8330 • dwheeler@cityofbath.com
Hours:7:30 AM-5:00 PM
If you have questions about eligibility, forms, or deadlines, we’re here to help.

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Last updated: 08/2025. This page is for general guidance and does not replace the City Charter, ordinances, or state law.