Section 01 - 2020 Candidate Letter - November Election NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL & SPECIAL ELECTION
CANDIDATE LETTER
J CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, 2, AND PLACES 5, 6, and 7 (Mayor)
OF
DENTON
August 15, 2020
This Candidate Packet is a revision/combination of the December 19, 2019 Packet distributed separately for Candidates in the
General Election(Council Places 5, 6, and 7/Mayor)and Special Election (Council districts 1 and 2). The information contained
herein applies to all applicable candidates but is not all-inclusive of the laws governing elections. Therefore,we recommend you
familiarize yourself with information provided in the original packet as well as this modified packet and contact the noted authority
should you have any questions. Contact information for those authorities listed is provided later in this letter. (Candidate Packet,
Section 1)
Candidate Listing
With the Elections having been postpone from May 2 to November 3,there were no changes to the deadlines applicable for filing
for office. The Candidate Listing stays the same, as follows. There is no opportunity for write-ins.
General Election
Ballot Candidate Name
Order Place/District As on Ballot
1 5 Deb Armintor
2 5 Rick Baria
1 6 Jim Mann
2 6 Paul Meltzer
3 6 Liam York
1 7(Mayor) Keely Briggs
2 7(Mayor) Gerard Hudspeth
3 7(Mayor) Michael Mitchell
Special Election
Ballot Candidate Name
Order Place/District As on Ballot
1 1 Birdia Johnson
2 George Michael Ferrie Jr.
1 Ronnie Anderson
2 Daniel Clanton
3 2 Connie Baker
4 Kady Irene Finley
5 Jon Hohman
• Article II (THE COUNCIL)of the Denton City Charter(excerpt provided)contains information relative to City Council
composition, roles and responsibilities. A full version of the City Charter can be found on the City's website. (See Candidate
Packet, Section 2)
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• Article III (NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS) of the Denton City Charter (excerpt provided) covers the annual
order/regulation of elections, application for candidacy and runoff elections. A full version of the City Charter can be found
on the City's website. (See Candidate Packet, Section 3)]
IMPORTANT DATES/CALENDAR
• CANDIDATE ELECTION CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES—City Secretary's Office
[Provides important dates related to the November 3, 2020 Uniform Election Date. (See Candidate Packet,Section 4)]
CANDIDACY
• CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY—Texas Election Code, Title 6, Chapter 61 —Secretary of State
[Provides information on expected conduct during the election process. (See Candidate Packet, Section 5)]
• CANDIDACYAND NEPOTISM—Secretary of State
[Reference material on being a Candidate for office and nepotism resulations.)
Also included are the following:
o Texas Government Code,Title 9, Chapter 143(Candidate for City Office). (See Candidate Packet, Section
6)
o Texas Government Code, Title 5, Chapter 573 (Degrees of Relationship; Nepotism Prohibition). (See
Candidate Packet,Section 7)
o Related Consanguinity and Affinity Relationship Chart. (See Candidate Packet,Section 8)]
CAMPAIGN TREASURER
• AMENDMENT.-APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE(FORM ACTA)AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[Also includes Texas Election Code, Title 15 Chapter 252 (Campaign Treasurer). A campaign treasurer or information
contained in the original form filed may be changed at any time. Changes can only be made by using this form. Only the
information being changed from the original CTA or previously filed ACTA should be noted on this form. (See Candidate
Packet,Sections 9 and 10)]
POLITICAL ACTIVITY/CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
The City of Denton does not limit employees from publicly endorsing a candidate, placing a yard sign on private property,wearing
or distributing campaign material,making financial contributions,or campaigning for a candidate,are permissible under City policy
so long as those activities take place while the employee is off-duty and does not include the use of any City equipment or
resources.
The Texas Election Code sets forth certain requirements for campaign contributions/expenditures. Important information is noted
below.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND OTHER REPORTING REGULATIONS
• "GUIDE TO LOCAL FILING AUTHORITY'S DUTIES UNDER THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW'—Texas Ethics Commission
[Explains the responsibilities of the City Secretary's Office under the Texas campaign finance law. In summary,this office is
required to make forms available, accept certain filings but does not regulate the content of those filings and is not required
to remind filers of reporting deadlines. (See Candidate Packet,Section 11)]
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• "A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION AND ITS DUTIES"—Texas Ethics Commission
[Provides information on the forms mandated and administered by the Texas Ethics Commission and outlines their area of
authority. (See Candidate Packet, Section 12)]
• CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH LOCAL FILING
AUTHORITIES—Texas Ethics Commission
[This guide helps candidates gain a better understanding as to the reporting requirements for campaign finance reports. (See
Candidate Packet,Section 13)]
• 2020 FILING SCHEDULE FOR REPORTS DUE IN CONNECTION WITH ELECTIONS HELD ON UNIFORM ELECTION
DATES[REDACTED]—Texas Ethics Commission
[This schedule outlines filing deadlines for campaign finance reporting as related to the November 3, 2020 Uniform Election
Date which are no in effect any election held on that date. It also notes deadlines for semi-annual reports required to be filed
depending on when the original Campaign Treasurer Appointment(CTA)form was filed. This document has been redacted
to remove any reference to the May 2,2020 Uniform Election Date. (See Candidate Packet, Section 14)]
• REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS— Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 251, General Provisions—
Texas Ethics Commission
[Requirements on political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet, Section
15)]
• RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES—Texas Election Code,Title 15,Chapter 253—Texas Ethics
Commission
[Restrictions relative to political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet,
Section 16)]
• POLITICAL REPORTING—Texas Election Code,Title 15, Chapter 254—Texas Ethics Commission
[Requirements on political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports and the contents of those reports.
Most candidates will be required to file at least two Title 15 reports although those involved in a runoff election will have to
file an additional report. Candidates will be required to file semiannual report(s)until a DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT
form is filed. However,filing of a Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions may still be required.
o The 30TH DAY BEFORE NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION (Monday, October 5,2020 due date at 5 p.m.)report covers the
period beginning Monday,July 1,2020 and continuing through Thursday, September24, 2020.
o The 8TH DAY BEFORE NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION (Monday,October 26,2020 due date at 5 p.m.)report covers the
period beginning on the 39th day before the election (Friday, September 25, 2020) and ending Saturday, October 24,
2020.
o The 8TH DAY BEFORE RUNOFF ELECTION (Monday, November 30, 2020 due date at 5 p.m.) report covers the
period beginning Sunday,October 25,2020 and ending Saturday, November 28,2020. This information is based on the
expectation the runoff election will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2020, which Denton County Elections has confirmed.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, the Texas Ethics Commission now provides for the filing of
the Unsworn Declaration (Form UD) in lieu of getting the report notarized. This form
should be filed with any of the above-noted reports IF you will not have your form
signed before a Notary Public. (See Candidate Packet Section 17).
Carefully read the Election Code (Title 15, Chapter 254) requirements and the Texas Ethics Commissions' instructions
included with report forms to ensure all required reports are timely/accurately filed. Submission deadlines and reporting
periods applicable to each filing are further outlined in the Candidate Calendar provided in this packet. The City Secretary's
office is not obligated to send reminders for upcoming deadlines. (See Candidate Packet,Section 18)]
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• CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT/FINAL REPORT (FORMS C/OH and C/OH-FR) AND
INSTRUCTION GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[These provide the schedules and instructions on applicable contributions and expenditures reported on running a campaign.
All reports are filed with the City Secretary's Office. It is important candidates understand the importance of adhering to
reporting requirements. Questions or complaints regarding filed reports must be directed to the Texas Ethics Commission.
o This section includes Form C/OH-FR (last page). Filing this form terminates the campaign treasurer appointment but
will not necessarily end the requirement to file campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet, Sections 19 and
20)]
• CORRECTION/AMENDMENT AFFIDAVIT FOR CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER (FORM COR-C/OH) AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[This form allows corrections to previously filed reports. The affidavit must identify the information being changed. (See
Candidate Packet,Section 21)]
• CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS (FORM C/OH-UC) AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[If the candidate had unexpended political contributions, interest, assets, or other money earned from political contributions
at the time a final report was filed,this report is required annually. This report is required until a report of the final disposition
of unexpended contributions has been filed. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 22 and 23)]
POLITICAL ADVERTISING
The City of Denton, State of Texas and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) set forth certain requirements/restrictions
on political signs on residential property and public rights-of-way. See below:
• DENTON CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 33-Signs and Advertising Devices, Section 33.16.3—Denton Development
Services,Zoning Compliance Division
[Requires that political signs in residential neighborhoods cannot exceed a size of thirty-six (36) square feet and be more
than eight(8)feet high. The City of Denton prohibits the placement of political signs in the City public right-of-way, as this is
a public safety issue. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 24 and 25)]
• "A SHORT GUIDE TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST USING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL
ADVERTISING IN CONNECTION WITH AN ELECTION"—Texas Ethics Commission
[Provides information relative to the prohibition of using City resources for political advertising for the general/special/runoff
elections. (See Candidate Packet,Section 26)]
• "POLITICAL ADVERTISING:WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW—Texas Ethics Commission
[Outlines state-mandated disclosures/notices on political advertising. (See Candidate Packet, Section 27)]
• REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS— Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter
255—Secretary of State
[Outlines legal requirements/restrictions on political advertising. Section 255.007 of the Texas Election Code requires the
following notice be written on each political advertising sign:
"NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393,
TRANSPORTATION CODE), TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A
HIGHWAY"
(See Candidate Packet, Section 28)]
• POLITICAL SIGNS—Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
[Regulates the placement of political signs on state highways. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 29)
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• CAMPAIGN SIGNS—TxDOT
[Addresses TxDOT's role and enforcement for wrongfully placing campaign signs on right of ways, trees, telephone poles,
traffic signs and private property. (See Candidate Packet, Section 30)]
POLL WATCHERS AND INSPECTORS
• APPOINTMENT OF POLL WATCHER BY CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT OR DECLARED WRITE-IN CANDIDATE AND
POLL WATCHER'S GUIDE AND INSTRUCTIONS—Secretary of State
[Also includes Texas Election Code, Title 3, Chapter 33 (Watchers). THIS IS STRICTLY OPTIONAL. However, should a
poll watcher be appointed, they should be provided a copy of the Watcher's Guide to ensure an understanding of their
responsibilities and limitations that apply to this appointment. As noted earlier, there are no write-in candidates. (See
Candidate Packet,Sections 31 through 33)]
• STATE INSPECTORS— TEXAS ELECTION CODE, TITLE 3, CHAPTER 34—Secretary of State
[THIS IS STRICTLY OPTIONAL. A request may be submitted to the Secretary of State for state inspectors' observation of
activities within polling locations. The request can be made on the form provided in this packet and must be fully executed
before submitting it to the Secretary of State. The due date to submit the form is no later than the fourth business day before
the election in which inspectors are requested (Tuesday,April 28, 2020). (See Candidate Packet, Sections 34 and 35)]
CANDIDATE INFORMATION IS PUBLIC INFORMATION
All information a candidate files with the City Secretary's Office in relation to candidacy or election to public office continues to be
a public record at time of filing and is provided in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
IMPORTANCE OF UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION
The mailing address indicated on the Application for a Place on the General Election Ballot, Campaign Treasurer Appointment,
or Amendment of Campaign Treasurer will be used to notify candidates about election related matters. It is important candidates
notify this office of any contact information change(s).
CONTACT INFORMATION
City Secretary's Office
• Rosa Rios, City Secretary,City of Denton 940-349-8309
rosa.rios(c@cityofdenton.com
• Zolaina Parker, Deputy City Secretary, City of Denton 940-349-7735
zolaina.parker(@cityofdenton.com
• Cathy Welborn,Assistant City Secretary, City of Denton 940-349-8304
cathy.welbornOcityofdenton.com
Denton Development Services,Zoning Compliance Division
• Caleb Norris,Zoning Compliance Division 940-349-7454
caleb.norris(@cityofdenton.com
• Justin James,Zoning Compliance Division 940-349-7457
]usti n.iames0cityofdento n.com
• Denton County Elections Department 940-349-3200
www.votedenton.com/
• Secretary of State, Elections Division 800-252-8683
• www.sos.state.tx.us
• Texas Department of Transportation 800-558-9368
www.txdot.gov/
• Texas Ethics Commission 512-463-5800
www.ethics.state.b(.us
• U.S. Department of Justice 202-514-2000
www.usdoi.gov
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CANDIDATE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
In order to provide the most efficient service for candidates during this election season, please continue directing all requests for
information to my attention at rosa.rios(a.cityofdenton.com rather than contacting individual city departments. We will coordinate
with the proper department(s) to provide the requested information through this office. Readily available information will be
provided at no cost to candidates and/or representatives of candidates. However, the City reserves the right to assess charges
to requests that are considered beyond readily accessible information.
SUMMARY
This Revised Candidate Packet may include revised forms from those provided in previous years. Therefore, please ensure the
forms contained in this packet are used. While many of the forms listed have been linked to the appropriate source, hard copies
of these forms can be obtained from this office. This packet is designed to provide valuable information on
responsibilities/requirements of filing for candidacy. Do not hesitate to contact the proper authority if you have questions.
Thank you for your interest in serving our community.
Respectfully,
Rosa Rios 6uty
ina R. Parker
City Secretary City Secretary