March 2005 Ramsey City Charter Update

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CHAPTER 4 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 4.1 The Regular Municipal Election. A regular municipal election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year, commencing in 1984, at such places as the city council shall designate. At least fifteen days prior notice shall be given by the city clerk by posting a notice thereof in at least one public place in each election precinct, and by publishing a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaper of the city stating the time and the places of holding such election and of the officers to be elected. Failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such election. Elected and qualified officers provided for by this charter shall assume the duties of office to which they were elected on the first business day in January following such election. 4.1.1 Primary Elections. On the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September in advance of the regular municipal election there shall be a primary election for the selection of two nominees for each elective office at the regular municipal election, unless two nominees or fewer file for each elective office. Section 4.2 Filing for Office. All persons who shall desire to be elected to any elected office shall file an affidavit not more than ten weeks or less than eight weeks before the primary election with the city clerk, paying a filing fee to the city clerk in an amount as set by ordinance. The city clerk shall prepare and have printed at the expense of the city the necessary ballots or other required material for such election. The ballots or other material shall contain no political party designation of any candidate and the names of the candidates for each office may be arranged on the ballot alphabetically according to the surname of each candidate. The ballots or the results shall be counted and preserved and the city clerk shall be the final custodian of such ballots or returns for the city. A sample ballot or a facsimile representation of the ballot shall be posted at the place of election at least one week before such election by the city clerk, whose duty it is to preserve such sample ballots. 4.2.1 Repealed (effective November 14, 1994) Section 4.3 Procedure at Elections. Consistent with the provisions of this charter and applicable state statutes, the council may by ordinance further regulate the conduct of municipal elections. Except as otherwise provided by this charter and supplementary ordinances, general state statutes on elections shall apply to municipal elections. Section 4.4 Special and Advisory Elections Except for Elected Office. The council may by resolution order any special or advisory election deemed appropriate by the council, for any reason, and provide all means for holding it. At least fifteen days prior notice shall be given by the city clerk by posting a notice thereof in at least one public place in each election precinct, and 8