OCEAN COUNTY – Those seeking to run for seats on their local school board have until 4 p.m., on July 26 to file their nominating petitions at the Ocean County Clerk’s Office.
Those interested must file by that deadline in order to have their name placed on the November 2 General Election Ballot, Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella said.
Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the Ocean County Clerk election staff at 732- 929-2153 with regard to petition filing.
Candidates can submit their completed petitions via mail or deliver it to the Ocean County Courthouse at 118 Washington Street, Toms River.
Colabella said all Ocean County school districts now hold their Board of Education elections in November. He noted that candidates can file jointly for the same office, title and term.
Colabella said, “simply, more than one candidate can appear and circulate the same petition for the same office and term. In the past, petitions had to be filed separately, even if all the candidates were running on one slate.”
Candidates have the option of selecting a slogan of no more than three words to appear on the ballot under their name. The slogan selection is part of the petition,” Colabella said. All candidates are required to file a Disclosure Statement with their petition. The statement declares a candidate is not a disqualified voter and has not been convicted of a disqualifying crime. Candidates are requested to provide an email address on their nominating petitions.
Colabella added, “it is important potential candidates know the requirements in order to help the petition filing process go smoothly. It’s also important that candidates get their paperwork in on time.”
In November, a total of 72 school board seats will appear on the ballot in various school districts throughout Ocean County. A complete candidate listing of those who filed petitions for school board will be available following the July 26 deadline at oceancountyclerk.com or facebook.com/oceancountyclerk.
