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ALPENA — The Alpena City Clerk is accepting nominating petitions from candidates for the elective offices of two councilmembers.

The term of office is four years, 2027-2030, and qualified candidates will be placed on the

ballot for the November General Election. The deadline to file is July 21, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Candidates are encouraged to file early to ensure there is adequate time to obtain additional signatures if needed.

A proper filing must include:

1. Two original copies of the Affidavit of Identity;

2. Statement of Organization, original needs to be filed with the County Clerk; and

3. Nominating petitions with no more than 75 signatures. A minimum of 50 valid signatures is required per the city charter. Forms and petitions are available in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

According to Section 3.2 of the Charter of the City of Alpena, the following requirements must be met to be eligible for office in the city:

1. Must not be in default to the city, or to any school district, county, or other municipal corporation of the state, now or heretofore existing.

2. Must be an elector of the City of Alpena.

3. Must be a taxpayer of the City of Alpena.

4. Shall have been a resident of the city for at least one year.

At the May 20, 2024, municipal council meeting, the definition of taxpayer was approved as follows:

1. A current lease or agreement signed by both parties for the address where the individual resides in the City of Alpena;

2. A land contract, mortgage, or other agreement signed by both parties for the purchase of the

property where the individual resides in the City of Alpena;

3. A deed for the property located within the City of Alpena with the individual’s name;

4. A real or personal property tax statement for the City of Alpena with the individual’s name;

5. If the individual is the legal spouse, partner, child, or parent of the taxpayer as indicated in items 1-4 above, then proof of this legal relationship will be accepted as documentation of taxpayer status.