UPDATE: Alex Kalkhofer is the only candidate for Longmont’s Ward 3 special election as of the 5 p.m. Monday deadline, according to the City Clerk’s office. This significant development raises questions about the future of the election, as officials review whether it will proceed with just one candidate or be canceled altogether.
In a statement shared with the Times-Call by Longmont Communications Director Lindsay Diamond, the City Clerk confirmed that only Kalkhofer submitted the necessary nomination petitions. Kalkhofer secured 30 verified signatures from local electors, surpassing the minimum requirement of 25. Notably, an additional petition was filed but not verified, as the threshold had already been met.
Authorities are set to provide clarity on the election’s status by December 30, 2023. When asked if another candidate could still enter the race, Diamond indicated that the situation is under legal review. “We won’t have the official answer until then,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of this decision.
Longmont’s Fair Campaign Practices Act stipulates that a nonpartisan election can be canceled if there are not more candidates than offices to be filled by the close of business on the 63rd day before the election. If the election is canceled, Kalkhofer would automatically be appointed to fill the remainder of the term left vacant by former Councilmember Susie Hidalgo-Fahring, who was elected mayor last November.
Kalkhofer, who previously finished with 14.6% of the vote in the city’s at-large council race, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in his bid for Ward 3. “I’m excited and ready to roll up my sleeves,” he said in a phone call, highlighting the encouragement he has received from local residents.
As the city awaits further announcements, the implications of this election are significant for Longmont and its residents. The decision on whether to hold the special election or declare Kalkhofer elected will shape the future direction of the council.
Stay tuned for updates as the city prepares to reveal its findings on December 30. The outcome could pivotally affect the governance of Longmont’s Ward 3 and the community it serves.
