Qualifying for Gainesville's March 19 election began at noon Monday and will end at noon Friday.
Pam Carpenter, Alachua County supervisor of elections, said only the mayoral and District 4 city commissioner seats are open this election. In order to appear on the ballot, candidates must complete the qualifying process.
Mayoral candidates must have lived in Gainesville for at least six months before qualifying week.
Candidates running for Gainesville City Commission must have lived in their qualifying district for at least six months. Carpenter said this rule has exceptions, because the commission reallocated district boundaries for single member districts in December.
The qualifying process includes taking a loyalty oath, submitting a financial disclosure statement and paying qualifying fees. Candidates who can't afford the fee can file to have the fee waived, Carpenter said.
Qualifying fees are $404.36 for mayor and $317.71 for city commissioner.
Carpenter said a completed list of candidates will be available Friday at noon and encourages residents to get involved in the election.
"They have the opportunity to begin to educate themselves on the candidates and their positions, so they'll be ready to come on out and vote," she said.
Jenna Lyons wrote this story online.