8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
Run for City Legislature in Joplin, MO
Election Date: Apr 7, 2026Filing Deadline: Jan 20, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: city
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: N/A
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: N/A
- Filing period: Dec 16, 2025 - Jan 20, 2026
- Positions: Joplin City Council - Zone 1Joplin City Council - At LargeJoplin City Council - Zone 4
Job description
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for any of these positions, candidates must (1) be at least 18 years of age and (2) have both lived and been a registered voter in the respective jurisdiction for at least one year (except for a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, for whom the city residency requirement is three months).
FAQ
How often is City Legislature elected?
The position of City Legislature is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Joplin, MO?
Nominations of candidates for all elective offices shall be by petition. Petitions for zone councilmen shall be signed by not less than one hundred fifty (150) registered voters of whom not less than seventy-five (75) registered voters shall be registered voters in the zone in which the candidate for zone councilman resides. Petitions for general councilmen shall be signed by not less than one hundred fifty (150) registered voters of the city. No voter shall sign more than one nominating petition for the same zone council position, and should a voter do so, his signature shall be void except as to the first petition filed. No voter shall sign more nominating petitions for general councilman than the number of general councilmen to be elected at the forthcoming election and should a voter do so, his signature shall be void except as to the aforesaid proper number of petitions which he has signed and which are first filed. Each signer of a petition shall designate his residence by street and number, or by other description sufficient to identify his place of residence, and precinct number. Nominating petitions shall contain the name, occupation, residence and precinct number of the person nominated, and the specific office (zone or general councilman) for which he is a candidate.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office.
Where is the filing office?
302 S Main St, Rm 102, Carthage, MO 64836.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 417-358-0416.
How do I get started running for City Legislature?
You can start running for City Legislature by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for City Legislature includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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