Candidate Information

The Mayor and Council serve four-year staggered terms. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that at no time is the Council composed of a full panel of freshmen members. There are presently no term limits for these positions. In order to qualify for the position of Mayor or council member, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be a one (1) year City of Monroe resident at least one year preceding the election in which he offers as a candidate.
2. Must be a registered voter of the City of Monroe. 
3. Must be at least 21 years of age. 
4. Must state which seat/person for which you are qualifying.
5. Must pay a qualifying fee of $180 for a council seat or, if running for the Mayoral seat, $216.

All candidates running for office should make themselves familiar with the Georgia Ethics in Government Act.

Council meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Special called work sessions are also called on an as-needed basis. Elected officials take office at the first organizational meeting in the month of January following the election. Once elected, the Mayor and all members of Council must continue to reside in the City of Monroe during their periods of service and remain registered voters. Additionally, they may not hold any other city office or city employment during any portion of the term for which they are elected.

Compensation for elected officials is as follows: Mayor receives $600 per month and City Council members receive $500 per month. Attendance is expected at the meetings as well as during annual Strategic Planning Sessions, some required conferences and seminars, and budget review sessions. Elected officials are also expected to participate in county or community involvement programs, leadership programs, and encouraged to attend various city functions and events.

Interested candidates should familiarize themselves with City operations, including but not limited to, review of the Monroe City Charter, City Codes/Ordinances, the Constitution of the State of Georgia, and guidelines set forth by the Georgia Government Transparency Campaign Finance Commission.

Please note that candidates for public office are required to file forms with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission (GGTCFC) (formerly known as the State Ethics Commission). Click for candidate forms and reporting responsibilities.  

All candidates should be aware that the City of Monroe has a Sign Ordinance, specifically designated as Article XII of the City of Monroe Zoning Ordinance, and campaign signs also fall under these regulations.  Visit www.municode.com and follow the links to Monroe, Georgia to access the entire code of ordinances online or call City of Monroe Code Department at 770-207-4674. 

Other restrictions regarding campaign activities can be found in the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) Title 21, also published as the Georgia Election Code and Rules of the State Election Board.