Calling the municipal election to be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to elect Council Members for Wards 1 and 5 for the City of Columbia.

This ordinance officially calls for the municipal election to be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. This election will determine the Council Members for Wards 1 and 5. Candidates must file nominating petitions signed by 50 to 75 registered voters no later than January 13, 2026.

Fiscal Impact: The exact cost is unknown and depends on the number of entities placing items on the ballot. For comparison, the City's share for the April 2025 election was $89,396.15 (with 14 entities on the ballot), and for the April 2024 election was $30,265.02 (with 17 entities on the ballot).