City of Yuma Encourages Residents to Run for Office in 2026 Municipal Election

The City of Yuma is encouraging eligible residents to consider running for office in the upcoming 2026 municipal election and take an active role in shaping the future of the community through public service.

The election will include seats for Mayor, three City Councilmembers, and Presiding Municipal Judge. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, followed by the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Serving in elected office provides residents a meaningful opportunity to represent their neighbors, contribute to important local decisions, and strengthen civic engagement throughout the community. City Council and Mayor play a direct role in setting policy, approving the City's budget, guiding long-term planning efforts, and helping ensure local services and infrastructure reflect the needs and priorities of Yuma residents.

For residents interested in running for office, candidate handbooks for City Council and Municipal Judge are now available online at yumaaz.gov/elections and through the City Clerk's Office, located on the first floor of Yuma City Hall (One City Plaza). The handbooks provide detailed information regarding candidate qualifications, nomination petition requirements, financial disclosure statements, and political action committee regulations.

Candidates are required to submit a nonpartisan nomination petition containing signatures from no fewer than three percent and no more than five percent of the total number of valid ballots cast in the previous General Municipal Election. The required number of signatures to qualify for the 2026 Primary Election ballot is no less than 998 and no more than 1,664 signatures from qualified City of Yuma electors.

Nomination forms and election packets are available through the City Clerk's Office. Nomination petitions are due on Monday, April 6, 2026, by 5 p.m., and all required documents must be filed in person by the deadline.

City of Yuma elections are nonpartisan, and no political party affiliations are listed on the ballot. City Council seats are elected at large, meaning candidates are not bound to specific districts or precincts. All candidates for City office must reside within Yuma city limits.

Any candidate who receives a majority of votes in the Primary Election will be declared elected as of the date of the General Election. If more candidates receive a majority than there are offices available, those receiving the highest number of votes - equal to the number of offices to be filled - will be elected in accordance with the Yuma City Charter.

Residents interested in running for office are encouraged to review the appropriate election documents from the candidate handbook online or visit the City Clerk's Office to learn more about the opportunity to serve the Yuma community.

For more information, such as candidate resources and election details, visit yumaaz.gov/elections or contact the City Clerk's Office at 928-373-5000.