Cities of the 1st Class - A city may petition to become a city of the 1st class when its population reaches 15,000. A city whose population is between 15,000 and 25,000 may elect to remain a city of the 2nd class but must become a city of the 1st class when it reaches 25,000 population. The City of Shawnee is divided into four wards, with two councilmembers elected to represent each ward. Elections are held the 1st Tuesday in April each year, with one councilmember from each of the four wards up for re-election each year. Primaries are held only if there are more than 2 candidates for an office.
Elections are non-partisan.
The Mayor is elected at large to serve a four-year term. After every regular city election, the Council elects one of its members to serve as president of the council, who in in the absence or disability of the mayor, becomes acting mayor.