Qualifying under way for county races in 2023

The qualification period for Franklin Countians who plan to have their names on the ballot to seek local elected office during 2023 is under way now through 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Franklin County Chancery Clerk Warren Walker, who plays a lead role in the area’s election process, said packets for party affiliation or independents are available for pick-up during regular office hours.

“For those who qualify as either a Republican or Democrat, there is a $100 fee along with a signed statement of intent required for those candidates,” Walker said.

“Anyone running as an independent will also have to pay a $100 qualification fee with a required petition of signatures from the qualified electors in the district or county-wide — depending on the office being sought.”

In a district race, an independent must gain no less than 25 voter signatures while those seeking at-large seats in the county will need to garner no less than 50 names on the petition, according to Walker.

Among the county offices that will be decided are sheriff, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, tax assessor-collector, justice court judges, constables and all five beat supervisors.

Walker noted that, beginning in 2023, election commissioners will begin staggered terms of office. Previously, all five posts had been elected every four years, but that will no longer be the case.

“This year, election commissioner seats for District 2 and 4 will be on the ballot,” Walker said. “In my opinion, the staggered terms are much better for everyone involved because you’re not putting everyone’s name out there at once.”

Based on his experience, Walker said he anticipates many of the local incumbents will come in early to file their paperwork to seek re-election.

“If there is someone new planning to run, many of them will get their paperwork near the end of the registration cycle,” he went on to say.

The major change with qualifying for 2023 elections involves the cut-off deadline for candidates.

“In years past, the deadline period ran through May and then lawmakers rolled that back to March,” Walker said. “This year, the deadline is the close of business on Feb. 1 and most will have their minds made up of whether they will run or not by that point.”

He noted the state circuit clerks’ association and other groups had lobbied for the qualifying deadline change because of annual training that had traditionally been conducted each January fell during the registration period for candidates in election years.

Party primaries will be held Tuesday, Aug. 8 (with any runoff races to be decided Tuesday, Aug. 29) and the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The registration deadline for new voters to cast a ballot in the party primaries will be 5 p.m., Monday, July 10 and for primary runoffs will be 5 p.m., Monday, July 31.

The general election voter registration deadline will be 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9 and all mail-in sign-ups must be postmarked by Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Walker said new district boundaries — based on the 2020 federal Census — are in place with voters impacted by any line changes notified as to their new polling places.

“The new boundaries were in place for this past November’s general election and those who still might have questions as to where they vote can call my office at 601-384-2320,” Walker continued.