0 - Candidate letter 2024 a.pdf
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September 25, 2024
Dear Prospective Candidate:
Thank you for your consideration to offer your services to the citizens of Schertz by
becoming a candidate for this year’s municipal election. Your candidacy entails the
obligation to comply with certain applicable state statutes and local ordinances. In an effort
to assist you, I have prepared a “Candidate’s Packet” with the necessary forms and pertinent
instructions. I urge you to read this letter and the enclosed/attached material prior to filling
out the specific forms. Filing for Schertz City Council Election begins September 25, 2024
and ends October 15. 2024, by 5:00 p.m.
All candidates for office in the City of Schertz must meet all the qualifications to serve on
the City Council as listed in Section 4.02 of the Charter as follows:
1. Must have reached the age of eighteen or older on the first day of the term of office
applied for.
2. Be a registered voter of the City of Schertz.
3. Have been a resident of the City for at least twelve consecutive months immediately
preceding the deadline for filing for an application for a place on the ballot.
Please be aware that the terms of office for Councilmember of Place 4, and to serve the
remainder of a 3-year term. The term of office is from November 2023 to November 2026.
With regards to election forms, please be aware that Section 254.036 of the Election Code
requires that all forms regarding financial reporting be written in black ink or typed with
black typewriter ribbon unless the report is a computer printout. If the report is a computer
printout, the printout must conform to the same format and paper size as the form prescribed
by the commission.
Forms and information for the 2024 City of Schertz City General Election for City Officials
are enclosed/attached, as well as on our website www.schertz.com. I have provided a quick-
start guide “First steps for candidates running for a city office” for your use. The first two
forms listed (1) and (2) are the documents you need to submit when you file for office. I
cannot over emphasize the importance of adhering to the financial reporting
procedures. Campaign reports are considered open records and will be viewed as such
by reporters and opponents alike.
(1) One copy of an Application for a place on the City of Schertz General Election
Ballot (bilingual), together with Instruction Guide. The loyalty oath is included
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on this application and must be notarized. There are two notaries in my office to
assist you if you need this service.
(2) One copy of Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (Form
CTA), together with Form CTA - Instruction Guide. The Form CTA should be
filed in my office at the same time as the above application. Please note the
statement that must be signed regarding the nepotism law. A summary of the
nepotism law is in the CTA Instruction Guide.
One copy of Amendment: Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a
Candidate (Form ACTA) and Form ACTA – Instruction Guide. Use this form
for changing information previously reported on Form CTA and for renewing your
choice to report under the modified schedule. The information you enter on this
form will replace the information from your previous Appointment of a Campaign
Treasurer by a Candidate form (CTA).
The Application, the Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer and Code of Fair
Campaign Practices listed forms must be filed in my office no earlier than 8:00
a.m., Wednesday. September 25, 2024 and no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,
October 15, 2024. There is a $25 filing fee. Each application must be carefully
reviewed to determine whether it complies with the Election Code requirements as
to content. Please file your application as soon as practicable to allow sufficient
time for this review.
(3) One copy of Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report (Form C/OH),
together with Form C/OH - Instruction Guide. The form C/OH is to be completed
by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign treasurer (but signed only by the
candidate). This is to be filed in my office on the dates specified on the form and on
the election calendar. Form C/OH-FR, Campaign/Officeholder Report:
Designation of Final Report is the last page attached to Form C/OH. This form is
to be filed when you are no longer receiving or spending political contributions. A
complete Form CO/H (Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report) must be
filed when you file the Designation of Final Report. The instructions on how to file
the Final Report are in the Instruction Guide for Form C/OH. Also included is the
Texas Ethics Commission guide Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and
officeholders who file with Local Filing Authorities.
(4) One copy of Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions
(Form C/OH-UC) and the Form C/OH-UC – Instruction Guide. The form
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C/OH-UC is for filing either an annual report of unexpended contributions or a
report of the final disposition of unexpended contributions.
(5) A copy of the Texas Ethics Commission’s Code of Fair Campaign Practices Form
CFCP (please also print – sign and bring with you) and
Chapter 258, Election Code. This form may be signed voluntarily and is not
mandatory.
(6) A copy of the Texas Ethics Commission 2023 Filing Schedule for Reports due
in connection with Elections held on uniform Election Dates. In this schedule,
you will find information regarding the December 14, 2024 election. Any
questions on reporting procedures, contributions, or expenditures should be
addressed to the Texas Ethics Commission at (800) 325-8506 or (512) 463-5800.
(7) A copy of the Texas Ethics Commission’s Political Advertising, What You Need
to Know.
(8) A copy of the Rules for Posting Campaign Signs fact sheet regarding political
sign placement and time limits and a copy of the City of Schertz UDC Sec. 21.11.5
Exempted Signs.
(9) A copy of the Election Calendar for a City’s General Election on November 5,
2024. This calendar provides dates for actions that are necessary for the general
election of city offices to be held on November 5, 2024 and Special Election-
December 14, 2024. (Run-off dates)
(10) One copy of the City Charter (Or obtain off the City Website)
(11) Standard Operating Procedures for Dealing with Political Signs in the Public ROW
or on City Property
(12) City Council Rules of Conduct Procedure
(13) City Council Code of Ethics.
It is your duty to become familiar with the laws applicable to campaigning for office.
Regarding the filing of candidate/officeholder reports, the City Secretary is limited to
accepting and filing the various applications, affidavits, and/or statements, and noting the
date and time of filing thereon. Should you have any questions regarding reporting
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procedures, contributions, or expenditures, please call the Texas Ethics Commission at
(800) 325-8506 or (512) 463-5800 or go online at www.ethics.state.tx.us.
You may direct questions about election laws to the Secretary of State at (800) 252-8683 or
(512) 463-5650, or go online at www.sos.state.tx.us . Please note that a copy of the current
Texas Election Code is on file in my office, and you are more than welcome to stop by and
review it during regular business hours.
Groups or committees that are advertising or campaigning for a candidate or for/against a
specific measure (propositions on the ballot) are called Specific Purpose Committees and
must file specific forms (SPAC) with the City Secretary at different times th roughout the
year. These groups are required to appoint a campaign treasurer before accepting or
expending any funds.
The forms and instructions are in my office, and I will make them available to you or
to your committee’s representative upon request. If you prefer, you can download the forms
yourself from the Texas Ethics Commission’s website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.
The City Secretary’s office is open to assist you. Your interest in municipal government is
appreciated, and I trust that this will be a positive and exciting experience for you and your
supporters. If you have any concerns or if I may be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact
me at 210.619.1030, via email at: sedmondson@schertz.com by my office.
Sincerely,
Sheila Edmondson, TRMC
City Secretary