DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE?
Why Local Elections Matter: Shaping the Future of Your Community
- Decisions That Directly Impact Your Daily Life
Local governments hold the power to shape the fabric of your community. From ensuring clean water and sanitation to improving public safety and recreation, they oversee critical aspects of everyday life. They decide on affordable housing projects, job training programs, and how local tax dollars are spent. Every decision they make directly affects you and your neighbors. - Your Voice Has More Power Locally
Local officials represent smaller populations, meaning your vote carries significantly more weight. These leaders are often more accessible and responsive to the unique needs of your community, making it easier to address concerns and advocate for change. - Low Turnout = Limited Representation
When only a small percentage of voters participate in local elections, the voices of many go unheard. This creates a disconnect between elected officials and the broader community. By voting in local elections, you help ensure that leaders truly represent the diverse interests of everyone in your area.
Your vote in local elections has a direct and profound impact—don’t let this opportunity to shape your community pass you by.
CONSIDER RUNNING FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Village Offices
The Village of Trempealeau will hold an election on the first Tuesday in April (if needed, a primary will be held on the third Tuesday in February) to fill the following offices:
- Every year: Three Village Trustee seats on the Village Board – The term for these offices is two years and begins on the third Tuesday in April.
- Every odd-numbered year: Village President – The term for this office is two years and begins on the third Tuesday in April.
Minimum Qualifications to Hold an Office are:
- United States Citizenship
- At least 18 years of age (or older for certain offices)
- Satisfy residency requirements of being a qualified elector and an actual resident of the Village of Trempealeau at the time of election. Wis. Stat. § 61.19
- May not have been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless pardoned of the conviction.
- Also, a candidate may not be disqualified by virtue of one or more of the impediments described in § 6.03, Wis. Stats.
Nomination Paper Process and Required Forms
The Village of Trempealeau uses a nomination paper process for ballot access. The first date to begin circulating nomination papers is December 1st. The Ballot Access Checklist provides a list of required documentation and specific deadlines.
The following forms will need to be completed and filed with the Village Clerk.
- Campaign Registration Statement – All Candidates – This form must be filed with the Village Clerk before or at the same time as nomination papers are submitted and must be filed before campaign funds are collected or spent.
- Declaration of Candidacy – All Candidates – This form must be filed with the Village Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in January.
- Nomination Paper for Nonpartisan Office – All Candidates – These forms must be filed with the Village Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in January. Nomination papers may not be circulated before December 1st. The number of valid signatures required is 20 to 100. Candidates should review the instructions carefully prior to circulating to ensure forms are properly completed.
For a checklist of forms and information on specific deadlines, please review the Ballot Access Checklist. A complete Candidate packet may be picked up at the Village Clerk’s Office, 24455 3rd Street, Trempealeau.
More information is available at the Wisconsin Elections Commission – Local Candidates webpage.
Non-Candidacy
If an incumbent chooses not to run for office again, the incumbent must file the Notification of Non-Candidacy form with the Village Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday preceding nomination paper deadline.