City of Columbus

Columbus will soon have nine districts, nine councilmembers and a hybrid at-large system. The hybrid at-large system is largely a residency requirement for Councilmembers as voting in BOTH the primary and the general election are done at-large, meaning the entire city votes on each district.

Current qualifications to be a Councilmember:

• Reside within Columbus corporate limits and within the district they represent for not less than one consecutive year prior to the primary election
• Candidates for office must collect 250 petition signatures from within their district
• Maintain residency in Columbus and within their district for the entirety of the Councilmember’s term in office
• Prohibited from holding any other public office except notary public, member of the state militia or any reserve unit of the U.S. Armed Forces

At the first meeting of 2024, the Columbus City Clerk will divide Council districts into two classes by drawing lots. Councilmembers will then randomly pick a lot. Lot A will be 5 districts and Councilmembers from those districts will serve a four year term. Lot be will be 4 districts and Councilmembers from those districts will serve a two year term. This will result in the staggering of terms for the future.