This article was written by Mackenzie Reed-Kadow, the Manitowoc City Clerk.
I’m Mackenzie Reed-Kadow and I have the pleasure of serving as the City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer for the City of Manitowoc. I’m excited to share some information with you about an upcoming virtual panel discussion that I’ll be part of on October 20, hosted by Manitowoc Public Library and sponsored by League of Women Voters of Manitowoc County. It’s all about ….*drumroll*…. running for office!
During “Running,” we’ll be talking about anything you might want to know about regarding running for office: filing the right paperwork (with the right person!), how to find out which offices are up to run for in a given election, collecting signatures (What does that even mean? Who can sign your papers?), and much more! In fact, we’ll be taking questions live during the panel—so I’m hoping you’ll tune in and learn something, even if you decide running for office isn’t for you. “Running” will be livestreaming on both MPL’s Facebook page (www.facebook.org/manitowoclibrary) and YouTube channel from 6-8 PM on Thursday, October 20.
Joining me on this panel will be City of Two Rivers Clerk, Jamie Jackson, Manitowoc County Clerk, Jessica Backus, and City of Manitowoc District 5 Alderperson, Darian Kaderabek. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from those of us that administer elections locally, as well as hear first-hand from someone that recently ran for local office.
I’m looking forward to being on this panel for a few reasons: 1) I’m a big ol’ election nerd and I love talking about elections and the process in general; 2) I think there is a lot of trepidation with folks when it comes to thinking about running for office and I’m hopeful that being a part of this conversation will show you that it’s not actually as scary as it might seem; and 3) I’m hoping that this virtual panel will serve as a comfortable space for folks to ask questions they might not otherwise have taken the chance to ask.
I find a lot of the time, when it comes to election-related information, there’s a lot of misinformation that gets passed around and I’m looking forward to answering questions and hopefully clearing up some common misconceptions. There are so many behind-the-scenes processes that go into running an election and getting on a ballot. It’s great to shed some light on the process so folks have a better idea of how this all works!
Mackenzie Reed-Kadow
In addition to discussing the ins and outs of running for office, we’ll also be sharing information and reminders for the upcoming November 8 General Election, including
- Voter registration deadlines
- Absentee options
- How to check what’s on your ballot
The City of Manitowoc will be holding expanded in-person absentee voting hours for the November election. For City of Manitowoc voters, the first day to vote early at Manitowoc City Hall will be Tuesday, October 25, and we will be holding hours every day through Sunday, November 6. Weekday hours will be from 7:30 AM–6 PM, and the weekend hours will be 10 AM–2 PM.
For anyone unable to attend “Running,” or if you have any election-related questions, please feel free to contact me at 920-686-6950, or via email at mreedkadow@manitowoc.org.
