Running for Municipal Office   

The mayor shall be elected by and from the registered voters of the city. The mayor's term of office shall be two years or until a successor is elected and qualified, except when elected to fill a vacancy, he or she shall hold office only for the unexpired term or until a successor is elected and qualified. 

The city council shall be comprised of the mayor and seven city councilors. Five councilors shall be elected one from each ward by and from the ward's registered voters. Two councilors shall be elected at-large by and from the registered voters of the city. The councilors shall hold office for a term of two years, or until their successors are elected and qualified. 

The school committee shall consist of the mayor, or a city councilor selected by the mayor, and seven other members. Five members shall be elected, one from each ward by and from its registered voters. Two members shall be elected at-large by and from the city's registered voters. Members shall hold office for a term of two years or until their successors are elected and qualified. 

Nomination of each candidate for elective office shall be by petition, available from the city clerk at least 120 days prior to the election. Petitions for mayor shall be signed by not less than 100 registered voters. Petitions for councilor and school committee shall be signed by at least 25 registered voters of the candidate's ward, except that at-large candidates' petitions may have signatures from registered voters from any ward. 

The next general municipal election will be held November 2025.