Now that the presents have all been given out, the turkey’s been carved and everyone’s had their tradition “superstitious” meal of black eye peas, greens and the meat of their choice, many have switched gears to their second favorite time of the season. No, not tax time --- its election season.
In Carroll County, some have already qualified as candidates in the 2019 county and state election.
Circuit Clerk Durward Stanton said those wishing to run have until 5 p.m. on March 1 to qualify. To qualify, Stanton said potential candidates must be a registered voter in Carroll County. Those qualifying to run as a Democrat or Republican must pay $100 to the party.
If running independent for sheriff, chancery clerk, county attorney, and coroner, candidates must get 50 signatures of registered voters in the county. For those running as an independent for supervisor, justice court judge or constable, candidates must get 15 signatures and all must pay a $100 qualifying fee across the board for all races.
“In the past, it’s been $25 for some, $15 for some, but now it’s $100 for everyone,” he said.
In election’s past, superintendents have been a part of the election race, however, a legislative bill passed in recent years made all school district superintendents an appointed position. Superintendents will be chosen by each individual school board, and they are no longer placed on the ballot.
Stanton said if one is running for county attorney, he/she must be a licensed practicing attorney; if running for coroner, he/she must have a high school diploma and be 21 years or older; if running for justice court judge, must be a resident of Carroll County for at least two years preceding election day and must complete a required training course within six months of the beginning of term in office.
Those who have qualified in Carroll County are Durward Stanton- Circuit Clerk; Clint Walker- Sheriff; Christy Noah- Chancery Clerk; Dorothy Branch – Justice Court Judge, Southern District; Tinesha Erve-Ernest; Justice Court Judge, Southern District; Rickie Corley- Supervisor Beat 5; Terry Brown- Supervisor Beat 2; Jim Neil- Supervisor Beat 1; Claude Fluker- Supervisor Beat 4; Dill Tucker- Supervisor Beat 3; Rob Banks- Southern District, Constable; and Joe Hollman- Constable, Northern District.
