While attention is focused on the Nov. 5 presidential election, some people are looking ahead to the spring.

Next year’s consolidated election, which includes municipal, township, village, library and park districts, school districts, and other local offices is set for April 1, and candidates have been able to circulate nominating petitions since Aug. 20, according to Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan.

Next year’s election includes mayoral races (sometimes referred to as village president) in most Macoupin communities.

Nominating petitions must be filed Nov. 12-18. Petitions for school district seats can be picked up at the County Clerk’s Office. All other petitions need to be picked up at the local government’s office. All petition packets are available online at www.macoupinvotes.gov under ‘Get On The Ballot’ and ‘Petition Packets’.

The consolidated election includes a potential Feb. 25 primary for Carlinville. A primary is triggered if there are more than four times the number of candidates for the number of open seats. Carlinville petitions are due October 21 through 28th.

All township offices are also up where independent candidates can file their petitions during the November filing period and those wishing to run as a partisan candidate can participate in the party caucuses on December 3rd.

Those interested in running can find more information on running on www.macoupinvotes.gov.