City Manager Urges Residents to Vote

Election season is around the corner, and the City Manager is urging residents to do their constitutional duty and come out to vote.

Angel Jones, the city's top non-elected official, posted a note on the city's website today describing the process and why it is important.

"Local municipal elections are typically challenged by voter turnout," she writes. "In the 2009 elections for Mayor and two City Council positions, a total of 3,631 ballots were cast, representing 12.92% of all eligible voters in Gaithersburg."

The city holds elections on odd-number years, staggering terms so only half the Council is up for election at a time.

Terms for the mayor and council members last four years.

On November 8, the terms of council members Jud Ashman, Cathy Drzyzgula and Ryan Spiegel will expire.

Spiegel plans to kick-off his re-election campaign .

Jones said that traditionally low voter turnout for municipal elections can belie their importance.

"And yet it is at the City level that those things that impact your life most directly are decided: playground equipment in the local park, street lighting, recycling and bulk pick up programs, community policing, animal control, code enforcement, summer camp programs, activities for seniors, and the list goes on. Accessibility to and the responsiveness of elected officials is at its highest at the local level."

On Tuesday, candidate packets became available for anyone interested in running for office.

In order to appear on the ballot, candidates must collect signatures from 100 qualified voters.

Gaithersburg residents who are registered to vote in Montgomery County are automatically eligible to vote in the Gaithersburg city elections.