Election season officially kicks off Monday, as the candidate filing period opens for the Nov. 8 Consolidated District Election.

Local offices up for grabs in the election include two seats on the Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors – Division 1, held by Michael Frantz since his appointment following the Sep. 25, 2009 death of Director Phillip  Short; and Division 4, held by Chair Rob Santos – and five seats on the Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees – John Sims, Eileen Hamilton, Loren Holt, Frank Lima and Tami Muniz.

Also on the ballot: Denair and Keyes Municipal Advisory Council seats, Chatom and Denair school board seats, Denair and Keyes Community Service District seats, and Hughson Fire Protection District seats.

Candidates may file until Aug. 12. All candidates, including incumbents, must file nomination papers to appear on the ballot.

Qualifications vary by office, but generally require candidates be age 18 or older and a registered voter residing in the district he or she wishes to represent. Irrigation district directors must also own land within the district.

Those interested in becoming candidates can visit the County Clerk-Recorder/Elections Office, 1021 I St., Room 101, Modesto, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. More information for potential candidates is available by visiting stanvote.com, or by phoning 525-5200 or 535-5230 for assistance in Spanish.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.