If you’re considering running for Joplin city council, the clock is ticking. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro explains why.

This upcoming Tuesday, January 11 is the deadline that interested residents must turn in their Declaration of Candidacy and at least 150 signatures of registered voters to qualify to run for Joplin city council. If candidates are running in one of the city’s four zones no fewer than half of the signatures must be from residents of those areas. Elections for the are expected to be competitive as five of the nine seats are available. Three general council seats, including Mayor Ryan Stanely’s and Doug Lawson’s. In Zone 1, former Joplin Mayor Gary Shaw is up for reelection, as is Diane Reid Adams in Zone Four.

To run for city council a resident must be a qualified voter and a resident of Joplin for the past four years. The candidate must have paid their city and municipal taxes in full by the filing deadline, and they may not be convicted or plead guilty to a felony. Finally, applicants must meet the requirements of the Home Rule Charter and the Code of Ordinances for Joplin and the state of Missouri. Election day is Tuesday, April 5. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro