Published: October 15, 2009 10:52 pm      

Mineral residents show early election interest

Three file as precandidates

KEYSER, W.Va.  — Mineral County is preparing for the 2010 election and several potential candidates have already filed for precandidacy.

Republican Richard Lechliter, the current mayor of Ridgeley, has filed as a precandidate for county commissioner to occupy the seat currently filled by Dr. Wayne Spiggle. Republican Krista Dixon and Democrat Gary Simmons have filed as precandidates for circuit clerk.

The county clerk position will also be open. State positions to be on the ballot include Senate and the House of Delegates.

Potential candidates file for precandidacy if they want to start raising money for their campaigns. It allows them to form a committee and name a treasurer, then begin raising and spending money in the same fashion as a candidate.

Precandidates are not required to run for office and are also allowed to change the office that they seek after filing for precandidacy. Potential candidates may begin filing for candidacy Jan. 11 and may do so until midnight Jan. 30. Candidates for county offices file at the Mineral County Clerk’s Office, while candidates for state offices file at the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.

One problem that the county may face during the election is a shortage of poll workers. “It’s not a presidential election year so it’s always hard to find poll workers,” said Mineral County Clerk Lauren Ellifritz. According to Ellifritz, the county needs 160 poll workers, five for each of its 32 districts. They work from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and earn $130 in compensation.

While Maryland is considering a change in voting systems, West Virginia’s voting system will remain unchanged. Voters will be able to use optical scan ballots or a touch-screen system. The last day to register to vote is April 20; early voting will begin on April 21 at the Mineral County Courthouse, and the primary election is May 11.

Contact Cory Galliher at cgalliher@times-news.com.