🗳️ 2025 Salida Voter Guide

Salida
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:ballot_box_with_ballot: 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.

:puzzle_piece: 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.

:bust_in_silhouette: Who’s Running in 2025?

Mayor

  • Dan Shore was first elected in 2021 and again in 2023. Although he could run for a third term, Dan Shore has announced that he will not run again for mayor.

Ward 1

  • Dominique Naccarato was first elected in 2021 and is eligible to run again in 2025. Rumor has it that she will not run again.
  • 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.

:clipboard: 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

:backhand_index_pointing_right: City Elections Page
:world_map: Ward Map

:dollar_banknote: 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.

:link: Colorado Campaign Finance Manual (PDF)

:ballot_box_with_ballot: 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
5-August Candidate petitions available
25-August Petitions due
10 to 17-October Ballots mailed
28-October Drop boxes open
November 4, 2025 Election Day (ballots due by 7 PM)

:link: Register or Update Voter Info

:left_speech_bubble: 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.

:classical_building: 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.

:glowing_star: 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.

:white_check_mark: 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.

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:red_apple: What You Need to Know About the 2025 Salida School Board Election

The Salida School District R-32-J will hold an election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to select members of the Board of Education. With several seats up for grabs, this election plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Salida’s public schools.

:school: About the School Board

The Salida School Board of Education consists of seven directors, each representing a specific district or serving at-large. Directors are elected to staggered four-year terms, and elections are held in odd-numbered years.

You can view the board structure and meeting information here:
:link: Board of Education – Salida School District

:clipboard: Who’s Up for Election in 2025?

The following seats will be on the ballot in the November 2025 election:

  • District 3 – Mandy Paschall (eligible and planning to run for re-election)
  • District 4 – Joe Smith (eligible and planning to run for re-election)
  • District 5 – Jenn Schuchman (partial term ends in 2025; planning to run)
  • At-Large Seat – Ben Hill (planning to run for re-election)

:link: View the Director District Map

:white_check_mark: Qualifications to Run

To be eligible to run for the school board, a candidate must:

  • Be a registered elector of the Salida School District R-32-J
  • Have resided within the school district boundaries (or relevant director district) for at least 12 consecutive months before the election
  • Not have been convicted of a sexual offense against a child

Candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, unless running for an at-large seat.

:spiral_calendar: Key Election Dates

Date Milestone
July 25, 2025 District must notify county clerks of the election
August 6, 2025 Candidate petitions available
August 29, 2025 Completed petitions due
November 4, 2025 Election Day

:books: Resources for School Board Candidates

Thinking about running? There are several great resources to help you understand the process and responsibilities:

  • :blue_book: The Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) offers a Candidate Resources webpage that includes information on campaign timelines, legal requirements, and what to expect as a board member.
  • :money_bag: The Colorado Secretary of State provides essential guidance on Candidate Financing, including filing deadlines, reporting requirements, and campaign finance laws specific to school board candidates.

These tools can help you prepare and stay compliant throughout your candidacy.

:postbox: How to Vote

This election will appear on the same ballot as the Salida municipal election, and ballots will be mailed to all active registered voters.

Reminders:

  • Make sure your voter registration is up to date by visiting GoVoteColorado.gov
  • Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day—postmarks do not count

:graduation_cap: Why School Board Elections Matter

School board members make key decisions about:

  • Academic programs and graduation requirements
  • School safety policies
  • Hiring and evaluation of the superintendent
  • District budgeting and resource allocation
  • Facility improvements and construction

Their choices directly shape the educational experience of every student in Salida.

:woman_raising_hand: Get Involved

  • Consider running for a seat if you’re eligible
  • Attend school board meetings to learn more about current issues
  • Encourage friends and neighbors to vote
  • Contact current board members with questions or feedback

Want more information? Reach out to the Salida School District office at salidaschools.com or contact the Board of Education directly through their website.