We've made it to December and the March 2026 Republican Primary is getting closer. I have received numerous applications for those wishing to run for office locally, including all of the incumbents, with one exception. Our County Treasurer, Lois VanBeck has decided to retire at the end of her current term and will not seek reelection. Having sat in many County Commissioner's meetings and heard her reports, I think we all owe Lois a tremendous amount of thanks and gratitude for a job very well done. Those wishing to become the new County Treasurer, or seeking any of the other positions up for election, have just a few days left to get in their application. The strict deadline for submitting an application to run is 6 pm, Monday, December 8th. I will be at the County Commissioners' meeting on that day and will be available at the courthouse from 5 - 6 pm that afternoon for any last minute applications.
The Ballot Draw to determine the order of candidates on the ballot in all contested races will be held on Thursday, December 18th at 3 pm at the Courthouse and is open to the public. Following the Ballot Draw, I will be submitting the order to print ballots to the contractor and getting ready for the Primary.
For those of us who voted in the recent November Constitutional Amendment Special Election, I wanted to give a big 'Thank you' to Mabel Anne Blaylock, our Election Judge for both Early Voting and Election Day voting, for continuing to serve and smoothly take care of all voters. Also to Christi Whitley, who did a great job administering her first election as our County Clerk. Many of us don't realize, until one becomes involved in and responsible for the election process, all the rules, laws, regulations and requirements that our election officials must follow in order to 'do it right.' These two individuals did a wonderful job and we are lucky to have them.