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Candidate Information — 2026
Candidate Packets Are Available in The Town Clerk's Office
Prospective candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Town Clerk’s Office to review the candidate packet and discuss the election process. Informational appointments typically last 15 to 30 minutes. To schedule, please call (520) 822-8804.
The nomination filing period begins Saturday, March 7, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
TERMS
In 2026, three Council Member seats will be up for election. Each seat carries a four-year term. In most years, new Council Members are elected during the Primary Election. Newly elected officials are sworn in and begin their duties at the next regular Town Council meeting following the General Election.
Candidate Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate for Town Council, you must:
- Be a registered voter in the Town of Sahuarita.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have lived within the Town limits (or in an area later annexed into the Town) for at least one year before the election.
- Have no felony conviction, unless your civil rights have been officially restored.
Statement of Interest
Before collecting any signatures for nomination petitions, a candidate must file a Statement of Interest with the Town Clerk.
⚠️ Petition signatures collected before the Statement of Interest is filed are invalid and may be subject to challenge.
Nomination Petition Signature Requirements
Candidate nomination petitions must contain a minimum of 272 to a maximum of 545 signatures of eligible Town of Sahuarita voters.
Nomination Petition Filing Period
The filing period for nomination petitions and forms begins March 7, 2026, and ends at 5:00 p.m. on April 6, 2026.
All documents must be filed with the Town Clerk’s Office by the deadline to have your name appear on the Primary Election ballot.
Required documents:
Nomination Petitions containing at least 272 valid signatures
Nomination Paper, including Declaration of Qualification
Financial Disclosure Statement
Candidate Committee Formation
A candidate must register a committee if they receive contributions or make expenditures—in any combination—of $500 or more in connection with their candidacy.
Write-In Candidates
Write-in candidates are not required to submit nomination petitions, but must file all other required forms.
To qualify as a write-in candidate, file the following with the Town Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m., June 5, 2026 (40 days prior to the Primary Election):
Nomination Paper/Declaration of Qualification
Financial Disclosure Statement
⚠️ Write-in candidates who do not file a timely nomination paper will not be included in the official ballot tally.
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE FORMS |
|---|
| Statement of Organization (PDF) / Spanish |
| Committee Termination Statement (PDF) |
| Arizona Revised Statutes - Title 16 |
Political Signs (Town of Sahuarita)
Campaigns and residents must follow Arizona law and the Sahuarita Town Code when placing political signs in Town limits.
Governing laws
State law: A.R.S. § 16-1019 (political signs, tampering) and A.R.S. § 40-360.21 et seq. (Arizona 811 “Call Before You Dig”). Arizona811.com
Town Code: Sahuarita Town Code §§ 18.79.010 and 18.79.020 (sign standards).
Need help? Community Development staff can review sign locations for Town Code compliance. Call (520) 822-8855.
When political signs are allowed in the public right-of-way
Under A.R.S. § 16-1019, political signs may be placed in the public right-of-way starting 71 days before the Primary Election and must be removed 15 days after the General Election (or 15 days after the Primary if the candidate does not advance).
For the 2026 election cycle (per the Arizona Secretary of State):
Primary Election: August 4, 2026 → ROW posting may begin May 25, 2026 (71 days prior).
General Election: November 3, 2026 → ROW removal deadline November 18, 2026 (15 days after).
If not advancing past the Primary: removal deadline August 19, 2026. Arizona Secretary of State
Political signs that don’t meet state requirements may be removed from the right-of-way under A.R.S. § 16-1019(C).
Size, placement, and safety basics
Signs must comply with Town Code placement, size, and clear-vision standards.
Do not block sidewalks, traffic control devices, or sight lines at intersections/driveways.
Obtain the property owner’s permission for any sign on private property.
(Community Development can confirm whether a location is within the public right-of-way.)
Call Arizona 811 before installing signs in the ground
Arizona law requires underground utilities to be located and marked before any excavation, which includes driving stakes for signs.
Contact Arizona 811 at least two working days before installing signs.
Dial 811 or submit a ticket at arizona811.com
Quick Checklist
☐ Confirm sign size/placement meets Town Code §§ 18.79.010–.020.
☐ If placing in a right-of-way, check the allowed election window (see dates above).https://azsos.gov/elections/election-information/2026-election-info?utm_source=chatgpt.com
☐ Call 811 at least two working days before installing any sign posts/stakes. arizona811.com
☐ Keep signs out of clear-vision triangles and off sidewalks/medians blocking visibility.
☐ Remove signs by the applicable deadline.
E-QUAL
The Town of Sahuarita uses the Arizona Secretary of State’s E-QUAL system to allow candidates to collect nomination petition signatures online.
Getting started:
Interested candidates can create an account and begin their online nomination petition through the Secretary of State’s secure portal:
👉 E-QUAL Candidate Portal
Please follow the step-by-step instructions in the E-QUAL Candidate Guide to ensure your petition is set up correctly.
Need help?
Watch this short video tutorial demonstrating how to create a candidate account and use the E-QUAL system.
PRECINCT MAP
Town of Sahuarita Precinct Map
Important Dates
January 15, 2026
2025 4th Quarter Campaign Finance Report Due
March 7, 2026
First Day to File Candidate Nomination Petitions
April 6, 2026
Last Day to file Candidate Nomination Petitions
April 15, 2026
1st Quarter Campaign Finance Report Due
July 15, 2026
2nd Quarter Campaign Finance Report Due
August 19, 2026
2026 August Post-Election Primary Campaign Finance Report Due
August 4, 2026
Primary Election Day
October 15, 2026
3rd Quarter Campaign Finance Report Due
November 3, 2026
General Election Day
November 18, 2026
2026 November Post-General Election Campaign Finance Report Due
January 15, 2027
2024 4th Quarter Campaign Finance Report Due
The information on this webpage is intended to assist candidates in preparing their candidate papers. While we strive to provide the most current information, state statutes and election cases are subject to constant change and interpretation. Candidates are encouraged to review all election materials with an attorney to ensure compliance with current legal requirements. It is not appropriate for town staff to give legal advice to candidates for office. Please thoroughly review all election materials and comply with all current statutes.
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