A. The clerk shall determine whether each candidate for city office is qualified as provided by law. At any time before the election the clerk may disqualify any candidate whom the clerk finds is not qualified.

B. Any person, including the clerk, may question the eligibility of a candidate who has filed a nominating petition with the clerk by filing a complaint with the clerk.

C. A complaint must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the third city business day after the filing closes.

D. The complaint must be in writing and include the name, mailing address, contact phone number, signature of the person making the complaint, and a statement in 200 words or less of the grounds, described in particular, on which the candidate’s eligibility is being questioned.

E. The clerk will review only those issues in the complaint related to candidate qualifications.

F. Upon receipt of a complaint, or if the clerk questions the eligibility of the candidate, the clerk shall notify the candidate whose eligibility is being questioned that a complaint has been received. The notification will include a copy of the complaint.

G. The clerk will review any evidence relevant to the candidate’s qualifications, including the candidate’s registration, nominating petition, and any other document of public record or as required by PMC 18.15.010. Based on the review of the public documents, the clerk will determine whether a preponderance of evidence supports or does not support the eligibility of the candidate.

H. If the clerk determines the preponderance of evidence supports the eligibility of the candidate, the clerk will issue a final determination supporting the candidate’s eligibility.

I. If the clerk determines the preponderance of evidence does not support the candidate’s eligibility, notice to the candidate will identify any additional information or evidence that must be provided by the candidate. The clerk must receive the requested information no later than three calendar days from the date of notice. The clerk will consider any additional information provided and issue a final determination as to the candidate’s eligibility no later than three calendar days from receipt of the additional information.

J. If the information requested by the clerk in subsection (I) of this section is not received by the specified deadline, the clerk will issue a final determination regarding the candidate’s eligibility based on the information initially reviewed.

K. The clerk will send notice of final determination in writing to the person making the complaint, if applicable, and to the candidate. The determination of the clerk is final. (Ord. 12-009 § 7, 2012; Ord. 620 § 6, 2004; Ord. 592 § 10, 2002; Ord. 556 §§ 4, 5, 6, 2000; Ord. 546 § 9, 1999. Formerly 18.15.035)