COLAB Hosted Candidate Training Workshop for Prospective Public Officials

-Editorial

The Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (COLAB) hosted a candidate training workshop for individuals interested in running for public office on Monday, Aug. 3.

The workshop was held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Ag Center in Imperial. 

According to COLAB, the session provided an overview of the election process and covered topics including election dates and deadlines, filing requirements, campaign financing and fundraising. The organization said the workshop was designed to help prospective candidates better understand the legal and procedural requirements associated with seeking public office.

COLAB said understanding election procedures, including filing deadlines, registration requirements and campaign finance laws, is important for candidates seeking office. The organization noted that complying with election laws, maintaining accurate financial records and meeting statutory deadlines can help campaigns remain eligible, promote transparency and avoid potential legal or administrative issues.

Invited speakers included Imperial County Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh, who represents District 2, and Adriana Murillo Kirby of Kirby Business Solutions.

The workshop took place as the filing period for local offices appearing on the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election ballot nears its close. Imperial County Registrar of Voters Linsey Dale reminded prospective candidates that nomination documents must be filed by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. If an incumbent officeholder does not file by that deadline, the nomination period for that office will be extended until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, for eligible candidates other than the incumbent.

Voters across Imperial County will elect representatives to numerous local offices in November, including seats on school district governing boards, the Imperial County Board of Education, the Imperial Community College District Board of Trustees, city councils in Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial and Westmorland, the Imperial city clerk’s office, and several special district governing boards, including water, health care, utility and community services districts. Several jurisdictions include offices with both four-year and two-year terms.

Candidates for county, school and special district offices may obtain and file nomination documents at the Imperial County Registrar of Voters Office, 940 W. Main St., Suite 206, in El Centro, during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Candidates seeking elective office in one of the county’s seven incorporated cities should contact their respective city clerk’s office for filing procedures and deadlines.