November may be months away, but next week is the time to file declaration of candidacy papers at the town clerk’s office. That’s just the first step in the process, but without doing that, you will not be on the ballot Nov. 6.

The Declaration Forms and other information can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. The completed form must be signed and witnessed by two people. The forms will be accepted at the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall (125 Main St.), on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, June 25, 26 and 27. No forms will be accepted after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27.

If you are running as a party candidate you must be a member of that particular party or be unaffiliated at the time of filing.

Once you’ve filed your declaration of candidacy, the next step comes in July, when you can take out nomination papers. Candidates need 50 signatures from registered East Greenwich residents for townwide office; for candidates of statewide office, the signatures must come from the district.

Town Canvasser Elaine Vespia recommended that candidates get twice as many signatures as required since some signatures may be found to be invalid. Papers may be picked up from July 3 to July 16 but must be turned in by 4 p.m. July 16.

Vespia said people should 886-8603 with questions.