On May 1, 2021, Amarillo voters will head to the polls to select their next mayor and four at-large City Council members for the next two years. At the time of this writing, multiple candidates have already announced campaigns, but the time frame to announce a bid for office is nowhere near over.

If you want to run for mayor or a seat on the City Council this year, but you still need more information, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are the answers to the questions you have about running for office in Amarillo this year:

Which offices are up for election in 2021?

While numerous school board and related races will be on the ballot this May, the marquee races in the area will be for Amarillo’s mayor and City Council seats. Mayor and all four remaining City Council seats are up for election.

Do I have to live in a specific area to run for City Council?

As long as you live within the city limits of Amarillo, you are eligible to run for mayor or any of the four seat on the City Council.

What is the difference between being mayor and serving on the City Council.

While many people may be more familiar with the title of mayor, both the mayor’s seat and the City Council seats hold many of the same powers. The mayor and all four remaining members of the City Council cast votes on municipal business and have a say on the way tax dollars are spent and how the City of Amarillo is run. The primary difference between the jobs is the mayor presides over the City Council meetings and has many ceremonial duties that are not held by other members of the Council.

How long are the terms?

The mayor and City Council serve two-year terms.

Who are the current office holders?

All current members of the Amarillo City Council were first elected in 2017. Here is the current composition of the body:

Mayor — Ginger Nelson

City Council Place 1 — Elaine Hays

City Council Place 2 — Freda Powell

City Council Place 3 — Eddy Sauer

City Council Place 4 — Howard Smith

It is worth noting that all current members of the City Council, with the exception of Elaine Hays, are seeking re-election this year.

What are the qualifications to be on the City Council?

To be mayor or a member of the City Council, a resident must have lived in the city limits for a period of 12 months preceding the election. Additionally, the candidate must be a registered voter in Amarillo.

Outside of these qualifications, candidates must also not be indebted to the City of Amarillo in anyway (including fines or outstanding tickets) and must not have an interest in any contracts, job, work or service for the City government, including the sale of any equipment.

How much does it cost to run for City Council?

While you will probably want to raise money if you run, the only money you have to spend is your $100 filing fee for a spot on the ballot. If you choose not to pay the filing fee, you can still gain ballot access by collecting signatures from 100 registered voters in Amarillo in support of your candidacy.

Do City Council members receive a salary?

Yes. The mayor and members of the City Council receive a salary of $10 per meeting attended.

When is the filing deadline?

Candidates can file to run for office beginning on Wednesday, January 13. Filing ends at the close of business (5pm) on Friday, February 12.

What paperwork do I need to file?

You need to print off this application, fill it out, and have it notarized to file for your spot on the ballot. Additionally, if you plan to raise or spend more than $500 on your campaign, you need to file a treasurer appointment with the City of Amarillo, which will require regular campaign finance reports. Don’t worry, the City will give you a schedule of when your reports are due.

Where do I need to file my paperwork?

The Amarillo City Secretary is the filing authority for the May 2021 municipal election. For information on how to file your paperwork, you can email the Amarillo City Secretary at frances.hibbs@Amarillo.gov or call 806-378-3014.

If you are interested in running for City Council, you still have time to get your paperwork in. We appreciate your willingness to serve your community and if you decide to run, we wish you all of the best in your campaign.