SE Arizona News

The filing deadline for those seeking to run in the upcoming elections in Nogales was April 6. 

There are five candidates running for Nogales City Council spots. Close to two dozen are vying for county-level office positions.

Seat positions held by Nubar Hanessian, Jorge Maldonado and Marcelino Varona, Jr are up for non-partisan election, according to Nogales Interntional.

Both Hanessian and Maldonado are looking for re-election for terms that last four years. Liza Montiel and Saulo Bonilla, Jr. will also be looking to fill these spots.

Former Councilman Jose “Joe” Diaz is expected to step down from the race. This is because the council unanimously voted on April 9 to appoint him to fill the remainder of Councilman Robert Rojas’ term, which is supposed to last until 2022. Rojas resigned in order to pursue filling a spot in the county office. 

In Santa Cruz County, there are 10 offices and a total of 22 candidates running. Five of the spots are running without any competition.

The primary election date is Aug. 6. The general election will be held on Nov. 3.

If a county candidate is running with the Democrat or Republican party, they will first run in the primary election. If there is opposition in their party, then they have to win the primaries to advance to the general election.

Candidates running as Independent do not participate in primaries and go straight to the general election.

For candidates that win votes on more than 50% of the ballots, they will win the seat. Any seats that are not filled after the primary happens will be filled determined by a runoff held on Nov. 3.

Santa Cruz school and fire districts governing board elections will happen on Nov. 3. Those who are looking to fun for these positions can fill nomination petitions beginning on June 6 and ending July 6.