Priscila Ruedas runs for Yuma city council

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Priscila Ruedas is asking voters to write in her name on the ballot as she runs for Yuma City Council.

Ruedas said she narrowly missed qualifying for the ballot after falling short of the required number of petition signatures.

"My name will not show up on the ballot," Ruedas said. "I was off by 40 signatures. I almost made it, but at the end of the day I'm here and I'm going to keep on giving it my best."

Ruedas said she decided to run because she wants to better represent the community.

"I'm just a local that's seen the way this community is and has seen that there is a big gap between the people that represent us and the everyday Yuman," she said.

If elected, Ruedas said she would focus on heat safety, improving transportation and increasing community involvement in local government.

"My goal really is to see what's data driven, see what makes sense, and talk to the community before we're implementing and doing all of these things," Ruedas said.

Arizona's primary election is Tuesday, July 21, and early voting is underway.