ARTICLE IX
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
   Nominations for Mayor of the City shall be made only by petition, signed by registered electors of the City not less in number than two percent (2%) of the number voting at the last preceding general election, and shall be accompanied by the written acceptance of the nominee. The nomination of each candidate shall be made by a separate petition. If there are more than two (2) nominees for Mayor, two final candidates shall be nominated at a nonpartisan primary election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May in the year the Mayor is to be elected. The final candidates for Mayor shall be the two candidates on the primary election ballot receiving the highest number of votes at the primary election. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the laws of Ohio shall govern the nomination and election of the Mayor of this City.
   Nominations for members of Council of the City shall be made only by petition, signed by registered electors of the City not less in number than two percent (2%) of the number voting at the last preceding general election, and shall be accompanied by the written acceptance of the nominee. The nomination of each candidate for Council shall be made by a separate petition. No primary election shall be held for the selection of any candidate for Council of this City; and no nomination for any such office shall be of any effect unless made as required by this section. The ballot used in the election of Council of the City shall be without party mark or designation. The names of all candidates for Council shall be placed upon the same ballot and shall be rotated in the manner provided by the laws of Ohio. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the laws of Ohio shall govern the nomination and election of members of Council of this City. (11-3-15)