A special election is set to take place on April 16 to fill the vacant City Council seat in District 7 after Councilmember Rigel Robinson's unanticipated exit earlier this year. Those whose turf spans from UC Berkeley grounds to the southern blocks and eyeing a seat at the City Council's table have a scant window till February 16 to throw in their hats. To check your district status and if you're game to vote or run, hit the City's council district lookup tool, as mentioned on their website.
According to the City of Berkeley's website, time's ticking for District 7's hopefuls to snag a spot on the ballot. Before the February 16 deadline, they've got to hustle and get the necessary documents squared away. All wannabe contenders must ring (510) 981-6908 or email [email protected] to schedule their nomination paper rendezvous. You've got to be over 18 and a U.S. citizen living it up in District 7 for at least 30 days prior.
Voting is simple, provided you're registered by April 1. The city's election squad is facilitating the process with online resources. Registrants will need their California driver's license or ID, the tail end of their social security number, and birth date, as outlined on the official city website. If the digital path isn't your style, snag a paper application from the usual haunts: libraries, post offices, or the DMV, and make sure it's postmarked no later than April 1.
Drop boxes and mail-in ballots will set the stage for the democratic process in District 7 starting March 18. There's no excuse not to have your say with multiple ways to submit your ballot, including snail mail, drop boxes at prime locations like UC Berkeley, and in person at to-be-announced vote centers. Just remember, if you're voting by mail, it's got to be postmarked by Election Day, April 16. Full details of the voting process can be examined at Berkeley's election page.
And for those sitting on the jury of democracy, you better double-check your enrollment status. Your voting rights could be compromised if you've shuffled around town, flip-flopped your name, or jumped political party ships. To keep your voter profile in shipshape condition, a simple status check on the official website is all it takes.
