Three seats on the Otsego City Commission are up for election this November, and the city has set a July 21 deadline for would-be candidates to file their petitions.
The City of Otsego released a public notice Monday confirming that three full-term City Commission seats will be contested in the November 3, 2026 election. The two candidates who receive the most votes will earn four-year terms. The third-place finisher will serve a two-year term.
Who Can Run
To qualify for the office of City Commissioner, a candidate must meet two requirements according to the public notice from City Clerk Angela Cronen:
- Be a resident of Otsego for at least one year immediately preceding the election
- Be a registered voter
Candidates must also gather signatures from at least 40 registered voters in the City of Otsego to appear on the ballot.
Where to File
Petition forms and packets are available at City Hall, located at 117 E. Orleans St. in Otsego. Completed petitions must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
City Commission Meeting Cancelled Today
In related news, the regular City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 1 has been canceled. The next regular meeting is set for June 15, 2026, according to City Clerk Angela Cronen.
The open seats present an opportunity for residents to step forward and shape local decisions on issues ranging from public safety to infrastructure to land use in the small city of roughly 3,800 people in Kalamazoo County.