What You Need to Know About Salida’s 2025 Municipal Election
The City of Salida will hold its next municipal election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Voters will elect a new mayor and three city council members, one from each of the city’s three wards.
This guide will help you understand who’s running, how to get on the ballot, how to vote, and what issues may be on the ballot.
How City Government Elections Work
Salida has a mayor and six city council members, with two council members elected from each of the city’s three wards. Here’s how the system works:
- City Council members serve four-year staggered terms, with one seat in each ward up for election every two years.
- The Mayor is elected citywide to a two-year term and may serve up to three consecutive terms.
- Council members may serve two consecutive four-year terms.
Who’s Running in 2025?
Mayor
- Dan Shore was elected in 2019, 2021, and 2023. He is term-limited in 2025 and cannot run again for mayor.
Ward 1
- Dominique Naccarato was first elected in 2021 and is eligible to run again in 2025.
- Suzanne Fontana, elected in 2023, is not up for re-election until 2027.
Ward 2
- Justin Critelli, elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, is term-limited in 2025.
- Aaron Stephens, elected in 2023, is eligible to serve through 2027.
Ward 3
- Wayles Martin was appointed in 2024 to replace Harald Kasper and is eligible to run in 2025.
- Alisa Pappenfort, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, is term-limited after 2027.
Want to Run?
To run for Mayor, City Council, or Treasurer (if the position remains elected), you must:
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be currently registered to vote
- For City Council: Be a resident of your ward (or an annexed area) for at least 12 months
- For Mayor or Treasurer: Be a resident of the City of Salida (or annexed area) for at least 12 months
How to Get on the Ballot
- Collect at least 25 valid signatures on a nomination petition
- Council candidates: signatures must come from voters in your ward
- Mayor and Treasurer: signatures can come from any city voter
Campaign Finance Rules
- Salida follows the Colorado Secretary of State’s campaign finance rules.
- Candidates must file regular financial disclosure reports.
- Individuals may donate up to $400 to a candidate.
- Independent Expenditure Committees (PACs that do not coordinate with a campaign) can spend unlimited amounts to support or oppose candidates.
Colorado Campaign Finance Manual (PDF)
How to Vote
Voting Method
Salida municipal elections are mail ballot elections. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ballots are mailed to all active registered voters.
- You can return your ballot by mail, drop box, or in person.
Key Dates (Tentative)
Date | Milestone |
---|---|
TBD | Candidate petitions available |
TBD | Petitions due |
10 to 17-October | Ballots mailed |
28-October | Drop boxes open |
November 4, 2025 | Election Day (ballots due by 7 PM) |
Public Forums & Voter Info
- Watch for candidate forums hosted by local organizations in September or October.
- Local newspapers and community groups often publish voter guides with candidate Q&As.
What About the City Treasurer?
The City Council is considering changing the Treasurer from an elected to an appointed position. If this change is proposed as a ballot measure, it will appear on the November ballot. Stay tuned for updates.
Why This Election Matters
Local government directly affects:
- Housing and zoning decisions
- Street and sidewalk maintenance
- Parks and recreation funding
- Emergency services and policing
- Local taxes and budgeting
Turnout in municipal elections is often lower, which means your vote carries more weight.
Get Involved
- Run for office
- Volunteer with a campaign or election effort
- Attend city council meetings or read council meeting summaries on InsightChaffee
- Spread the word to neighbors and friends
Have more questions? Reach out to the City Clerk’s Office or watch for election updates on the city website.