With the City of Milford’s next election planned for Saturday, April 25, it is important to know what you have to do to cast a ballot that day. Although the city follows state laws for elections, there are some requirements that may differ in the city code.
City code requires the election to be held on the fourth Saturday in April. The mayor and all members of council are voted on by city residents. Previously, the mayor was elected for a two-year term at the same time as four council members, one from each ward. The remaining four council members are elected the following year. This year, the charter was changed so that the mayor elected in April will serve a three-year term.
The deadline to file to run as a candidate is Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Seats that are up for election include Councilwoman Madula Kalesis in Ward 1; Councilwoman Lori Connor in Ward 2; Councilman Michael Stewart in Ward 3 and Councilwoman Katrina Wilson in Ward 4. Also up for election is Mayor Todd Culotta.
As of now, only one person has filed for a council seat, Kimberley “Kim” Wills, for Ward 2. According to Wills, Councilwoman Lori Connor has stated she will not run again, although Connor has not made an official announcement.
In order to vote in the election, voters must be 18 years or older and be a citizen of the United States. They must be a resident of the city for at least 30 days prior to the election. On the day of the election, all registered voters are able to vote for the mayor, but they will only vote for the representative in their ward for council. Anyone registered to vote with the state who resides within city limits is automatically qualified to vote in city elections.
One difference in Milford city code that does not exist at the state level is that non-resident property owners are able to vote in city elections even if they do not live within city limits. In order to vote, the property must be registered in the individual’s name, not in a company name, and they must register at the City of Milford. If they own property in more than one ward, the non-resident property owner must choose only one ward to cast a vote.
The last day to register to vote for residents is March 26, 2026, at 4:30 PM. The last day for non-resident property owners to vote is February 24, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Non-resident property owners must contact the City Clerk’s office for more information.
Absentee ballots are available for those who will be out of town, disabled or unable to take time from work. Absentee ballots can be obtained from the City Clerk.
All voters must show identification at the polling place before casting a ballot and must be registered to vote in the correct ward. All votes are cast at the Public Works Building, 180 Vickers Drive, Milford. Contact the City Clerk’s office by calling 302-422-1111, ext. 1142 or 1303 to learn how to vote as a non-resident property owner or to obtain an absentee ballot.
