Although several residents have already declared their candidacy, the races for aldermen, mayor and School Committee will not be official until nomination papers are signed and returned. 

You asked when those papers will be available -- and Patch has an answer.

According to Newton Election Commission Interim Executive Secretary Peter Koutoujian Sr., the nomination papers for the Nov. 5, 2013 general municipal election will be available starting Wednesday, May 1. 

The nomination papers must be signed and returned to the Election Commission by Tuesday, July 30, Koutoujian said. 

The city's charter states that candidates running for alderman-at-large and School Committee must collect 150 signatures before the nomination papers are certified. Aldermen-at-large and School Committee seats are elected by all city voters.

Ward aldermen, who are only elected by residents in their home ward, must gather 50 signatures.

Mayoral candidates must collect 400 signatures, the charter says.

On top of this year's municipal election, Newton voters will also have a special election for the Ward 1 alderman-at-large seat, which became vacant after the death of Ward 1 Alderman-at-Large Carleton Merrill. 

The Newton Board of Aldermen is currently discussing whether to hold the special election on the same day as the special Senate election on June 25. 

If the Ward 1 special election is held on June 25, Koutoujian said nomination papers will be available on Monday, April 8 and due on Tuesday, May 7.