Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) may pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s Office starting Tuesday, July 22.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must gather at least 25 signatures from registered voters within their voting district. Completed petitions must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than September 9.

The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body, with four representatives elected from each of Westport’s nine voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.

RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests exceeding $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.

For more information about the petition process or other election-related questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton at 203-341-1105 or jdunkerton@westportct.gov.