Declarations of candidacy are open in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) -- As we are coming close to the end of summer, we might be enjoying all that it has to offer. Sooner or later, school will be here, and the local election season will be upon us as well. The regular election for the city of Fairbanks will be held Tuesday, October 3rd. The candidate filing period has already begun, but if you’re interested in submitting a declaration of candidacy, you have until Monday, July 31st.

Danyielle Snider who is the city clerk for the city of Fairbanks shares that local elections are critical for many reasons.“It’s local decisions on your streets and on the services that you receive and for some people that could mean life or death situations. Local government is by far the most important election that you should vote in.”

This year on the city ballot, you’ll see seats E and F. Both of those seats have a three year term, and the incumbents that are currently in those seats are eligible to run for another three years.

“Each member of the council doesn’t have an incredible amount of power or authority. It’s the council as the body that’s the decision maker for the city of Fairbanks. So there’s six members of the council and the mayor, so you have a vote at the table every time an issue comes up of course unless you have a conflict of interest but that’s a really big role to play in the community,” said Snider.

If community members feel that submitting a candidacy form is too much, Snider recommends that building yourself up is also an option, “It’s just another way to get involved in your community to have a seat at the table. It’s up to individuals to step up to the plate and really get involved in their community and if that’s too big a step for some people they could get their feet wet [and] join a board of commission, attend council meetings and see what actually happens. Just stay involved and the more you know the more confident you’ll feel about running for candidacy.”

Declarations of Candidacy may be filed with the City Clerk’s Office, 800 Cushman Street, Fairbanks until Monday, July 31st at 5:00 p.m.

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