Spring Election 2025 and Staggered Terms

Spring Election:

Hello!

Election TIME??  As incredible as it sounds, we are about to start yet another round of elections. The Spring Election is April 1st, 2025. 

The 2023 Spring Election ballot included the question of changing city ordinances to a staggered term schedule. The question read as follows:

"Shall the Charter Ordinances of the City of Madison be amended to establish staggered two-year terms for members of the Common Council beginning in 2025, with the 2025 Spring Election including one-year terms for alders in even-numbered Districts and in subsequent elections the term for all alders shall be two years?"

1. The question received a favorable vote of 83.1%
2. The staggered term schedule begins in the Spring of 2025
3. 2025: All 20 alders are up for election as follows:
   1. Alders for even Districts numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 & 20 will run to serve for one (1) year.
   2. Alders for odd Districts numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 & 19 will run to serve for two (2) years.
4. 2026: Even numbered districts are up for re-election for two (2) year term
5. 2027: Odd-numbered districts are up for re-election for a two (2) year term
6. 2028: Even numbered districts are up for re-election for a two (2) year term
7. 2029: Odd-numbered districts are up for re-election for a two (2) year term

Starting in 2026, elections for even aldermanic district numbers will occur during even years, and elections for odd aldermanic district numbers will occur during odd years.

Running for office:

Thinking about running for office? The clerks' website is your go-to resource. It's packed with a comprehensive guide on running for local office,, covering everything from the necessary paperwork to key deadlines.

• https://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/elections-voting/candidates-campaigns/running-for-local-office

Minimum Qualifications:

1. United States Citizenship
2. At least 18 years of age
3. Residing in the district at the time of election.
4. May not have been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless you have been pardoned of the conviction.

Why it is important to get involved:

1. Civic engagement it's an opportunity to promote social justice and fight against discrimination. By participating in local governance, you can ensure the inclusion of voices often left out of the decision-making process.
2. It promotes an equitable society by giving us a voice at the table when discussing issues that impact our communities and by providing a way to share our identities and cultural backgrounds.
3. People with shared values and beliefs can work together towards a common cause and create positive change.
4. Civic engagement is not just about making a difference in the community; it's also about personal growth and development. It's an opportunity to develop new perspectives, a sense of purpose, and leadership skills.
5. You participate in decision-making that impacts people's daily needs, basic services, housing security, climate change, transit, food access, health, safety, and more.