LEWISTON — It may come as a shock, but election season is upon us.

Nomination papers for several Lewiston seats on the City Council and School Committee are available starting Monday, and Auburn — where every seat is up for reelection — is not far behind.

On Nov. 4, Lewiston will elect four City Council seats and four School Committee seats to two-year terms. It’s the first official election for Lewiston under its new staggered terms created during the previous election following a charter change.

Auburn will continue to elect a full new slate of officials every two years, including the mayor. Earlier this week, Mayor Jeff Harmon confirmed that he is running for reelection after taking the helm in 2023.

Nomination papers will be available for all Auburn seats starting Monday, July 7.

IN LEWISTON

In November, Lewiston voters will elect city councilors in wards 1, 3, 5 and 7 and School Committee members in wards 2, 4, 6 and the at-large seat.

According to an announcement from the City Clerk’s office, all candidates must be at least 20 years old and must be registered voters of Lewiston — registered and qualified to vote on or prior to May 21, 2025.

Those interested in the at-large seat on the School Committee must submit completed nomination papers signed by at least 50 and no more than 100 qualified voters of Lewiston. Candidates for all other positions must submit nomination papers signed by at least 50 and no more than 100 qualified voters of their respective ward.

Nomination papers can be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office during normal office hours. Completed nomination papers must be filed with the office no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Questions regarding the procedures for nomination papers or the municipal election process may be directed to the Clerk’s Office at 207-513-2124.

All terms will commence on Jan. 5, 2026.

In 2023, Mayor Carl Sheline was elected to a three-year term as part of the city’s shift to staggered terms, meaning his term runs through 2026.

IN AUBURN

In Auburn, nomination papers for the entire slate of seats will be available July 7, and are due back by Aug. 21.

Both the City Council and School Committee are made up of members from each of five wards, plus two at-large seats.

Nomination papers for mayor must be signed by at least 100 registered voters, while petitions for councilor and School Committee must be signed by at least 25 registered voters of the candidate’s ward, or citywide for at-large candidates.

At least one newcomer has already announced a campaign, with Ward 1 resident Rachel Randall vying for City Council, a seat currently held by Councilor Rick Whiting.