Candidate Information

Thank you for your interest in serving as a candidate in the 2026 Town of Carefree Election. The Town is governed by a Mayor and six Councilmembers, all elected at-large to four-year terms. Regular elections are held in the fall of even-numbered years.

In 2026, voters will elect three (3) councilmembers and one (1) Mayor. The Primary Election is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with a Runoff Election on November 3, 2026, if required. Newly elected officials will assume office at the first regularly scheduled Council meeting following the General Election, on December 1, 2026.

  • To qualify for the ballot, candidates must obtain between 46 and 91 valid nomination signatures. Nomination petitions must be filed between March 7, 2026, and April 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

  • A Statement of Interest MUST be filed before collecting any nomination petition signatures.

Candidate Packets Now Available for Pickup

Candidate packets, which include all required forms and materials for candidacy, are now available at Carefree Town Hall by appointment only during normal business hours (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.). Interested candidates must sign for a packet at the time of pickup.

Please contact the Deputy Clerk, Samantha Gesell, via email to samantha@carefree.org to make an appointment.

Running for Mayor or Town Council?

Note: The Carefree Town Clerk serves as the filing officer for all local election forms.  All forms must be filed with the Carefree Town Clerk’s Office within the applicable deadlines. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the Arizona Revised Statutes and Carefree Town Code for legal requirements pertaining to candidates for elective office.  

While every effort is made to provide a comprehensive overview of the election process for the Town of Carefree, this candidate information and the noted resources are provided with the understanding that Town Clerk staff cannot render legal or financial advice. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all legal requirements have been met.

Relevant Documents & Links