Oakland County, MI, January 12, 2006 -- Anyone intersted in running for the Board of Education in their local school district must file the necessary paperwork, in person, by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at the Oakland County Election Division, says Ruth Johnson, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

Every county school district - except the South Lyon schools - will be holding school board elections on May 2, 2006.

School board members are elected to four-year terms.

"It is one of the most important forms of volunteer work," says Johnson. "Board members serve in a vital role - having the responsibility of making sure our kids get a good education in a safe environment."

Because of recent changes in election law, the process for obtaining and filing nominating petitions for candidates has changed.

Documents - required Affidavit of Identity and nominating petitions - can be obtained from local community clerks and the Oakland County Clerk's Election Division, 1200 N. Telegraph, Dept. 417, in Pontiac, Mich.

Now, for the first time, the Affidavit of Identity and nominating petition can be accessed at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod and the click Election Division, says Johnson.

The completed forms must then be turned into the county's Election Division by Feb. 7.

(Exceptions are school board candidates in the Madison Heights and Lamphere schools - who must file their paperwork with the City of Madison Heights. Troy candidates must also file at their city offices.)

All candidates have the option of filing nominating petitions with a minimum of 40, but no more than 100 valid signatures of voters in their district or paying a $100 filing fee in lieu of the petitions.

Other important election dates:

• Friday, Feb. 10 is the deadline for school board candidates to withdraw from their school board race.
• Monday, April 3 is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the May 2 elections.
• Your city or township clerk is taking requests for absentee ballots now and must receive your application for an absentee voter ballot by 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. (NOTE: City and township clerks will be open until 2 p.m. that day.)
• Absentee voter applications are available from your city or township clerk or online the Oakland County website. Go to www.oakgov.com/clerkrod then click on Election Division. There are links to absentee ballot information and form.

For information, contact your local city or township clerk. The Oakland County Clerk's Election Division may be reached at (248) 858-0564.