Fountain Hills: Final Days to File for Mayor, Council | The Locally Times
The April 6 deadline is the last chance for candidates to secure a spot on the ballot, directly impacting local taxes, community projects, and infrastructure for Fountain Hills residents.
The clock is ticking for aspiring leaders in Fountain Hills. Prospective candidates vying for Mayor or one of three Councilmember seats must submit all required paperwork by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. This final deadline will determine who appears on the August 4 Primary Election ballot, setting the stage for decisions that will shape the town's public services, zoning, and overall development for years to come. The individuals elected will make decisions that directly impact residents, affecting local taxes, community projects, and infrastructure. ## Your Path to the Ballot: Requirements and Process The filing period, which opened on March 7, 2026, requires prospective candidates to first submit a Statement of Interest. Following this, they must complete and file nomination papers, a financial disclosure statement, and collect petition signatures. All forms, as outlined by the Town of Fountain Hills on January 22, 2026, must be submitted in person to the Town Clerk’s Office; electronic submissions are not accepted. The Mayor's term is two years, while Councilmembers serve four-year terms. ## Who Can Run? Eligibility and Election Structure To qualify for the Fountain Hills election, candidates must be at least eighteen years of age, be a qualified elector at the time of filing nomination papers, and have resided in the Town for at least one year immediately preceding the election. These qualifications were announced by the Town of Fountain Hills on January 22, 2026. The Primary Election is set for Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Should no candidate secure a majority of votes in the Primary, a runoff election will coincide with the General Election, scheduled for November 3, 2026. ## Your Voice, Your Town: Engaging in the Election Residents play a crucial role in this election cycle, both as potential candidates and as voters. The leadership elected will oversee critical decisions impacting the quality of local parks, roads, public safety initiatives, and future community projects. Those interested in running or learning more can obtain candidate packets and additional information directly from the Town Clerk’s Office. Town Clerk Bev Bender and Deputy Town Clerk Angela Padgett-Espiritu are available for contact, and further details are posted on the Town's Elections webpage. ## Key Questions **What offices are open for election in Fountain Hills?** The Fountain Hills Primary Election will elect a Mayor for a two-year term and three Councilmembers, each serving a four-year term. **What is the final deadline for candidates to file their paperwork?** All candidate paperwork must be submitted in person to the Town Clerk's Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. **Where can interested individuals find more information about running for office?** Prospective candidates can obtain candidate packets and further details from the Town Clerk’s Office or the Town of Fountain Hills' Elections webpage.