You Won't Believe What Happens This Election Season: Filing Dates Just Announced! Are You Ready?

Resolutions advocating for nonpartisan city council elections in the sister cities of Fridayland were recently passed by both the Nichols Hills and The Village city councils. The filing period for city council seats in both municipalities is scheduled from February 2-4, 2026, with the elections to be held on April 7, 2026.

In Nichols Hills, longtime Ward 3 councilman and current Mayor Steve Goetzinger, age 67, has announced his intention to file for reelection. Goetzinger brings with him 14 years of experience on the City Council, where members serve a three-year term. In this role, council members also act as trustees for the city's public trust and the Nichols Hills Municipal Authority.

Meanwhile, in The Village, voters will have the opportunity to elect council members to represent Wards Four and Five. Ward Four councilman and Vice-Mayor Braxton Banks, age 38, has signaled his desire to seek reelection. In addition to his city council duties, Banks has expressed intentions to run for Oklahoma House District 85, which would require him to relinquish his City Council seat should he win. As of the latest updates, Ward 5 councilman and current mayor John Allen, age 45, has yet to announce his plans for reelection. Both Banks and Allen were first elected to their respective city council seats in 2024.

City Council elections in Nichols Hills have historically been less competitive. The 2025 election marked a shift, with Colin FitzSimons defeating Ford Austin in the Ward 2 race, garnering 68.8 percent of the vote. In contrast, The Village frequently sees competitive races for council seats, with incumbents often facing challengers.

For both Nichols Hills and The Village, council candidates must reside in the ward they aim to represent. However, registered voters in both municipalities are allowed to vote for all candidates through an at-large nonpartisan general election, with no primary elections. The roles of mayor and vice mayor rotate among City Council members in both cities.

Individuals interested in running for city council in either Nichols Hills or The Village must submit their candidacy to the Oklahoma County Election Board located at 4201 N. Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City, during operating hours from 8 AM to 5 PM. The filing fee for candidacy in both cities is set at $50.

In terms of compensation, City Council members in The Village receive $25 per month, while their counterparts in Nichols Hills are paid $20 per month. As both cities gear up for the upcoming elections, the emphasis on nonpartisan elections could significantly influence voter engagement and participation in local governance.