With just three weeks remaining until nominating petitions are due, the field for the Town Council primary election in August is unfolding slowly.

Last week incumbent Councilwoman Ginny Dickey announced she would not be seeking a third term, opening the door further for personnel changes on the council.

“It has been a privilege to serve our beautiful community and look forward to my next adventures with gratitude,” Dickey said in her announcement.

Dickey served two terms as a council member and prior to that she was a member of the School Board for eight years, where she also served as president.

Incumbent Councilman Henry Leger has not yet announced his plans for the upcoming election. He also has served two council terms.

Councilman Tait Elkie announced earlier he would not seek re-election.

Wednesday, May 28, is the deadline for potential candidates to file paperwork to get their name on the primary election ballot in August.

As of Monday there were five potential candidates who had expressed an interest in the three seats.

Three candidates had filed their campaign committee paperwork with the town clerk and are collecting signatures on nominating petitions.

Those include Lina Bellenir, Nick DePorter and Alan Magazine. Two others had obtained candidate packets from Town Hall, but have not yet established their committee. They are Arnold Belzil and Lauraine Jackson.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh is seeking re-election and at this time no one has indicated an interest in challenging her.

This is the first town election to be held in the fall with other General Election races. The primary will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Town elections are non-partisan, which may cause some confusion among voters on the permanent early voter list on how they will receive a ballot.

Normally those on the PEV list will receive a ballot for the primary based on their party registration. Those non-affiliated (non-partisan/independent) would not receive a ballot automatically in the mail.

However, those with an unaffiliated registration do have the opportunity to request a ballot by designating the party ballot they wish to receive, or a ballot for the town election only.

Within a couple of weeks the Maricopa County Recorder’s Elections Department will be sending those unaffiliated voters on the PEV list a form allowing them to request a ballot for the primary election.

A similar form will be sent out at 33 days prior to the election if the first is not returned.

All registered voters do have the opportunity to simply go to the polls on Election Day to cast a ballot, however, those on the PEV are asked to cast their early ballot to avoid delays in counting votes.