Before 2006 is over the bulk of county offices (a total of 34) will be up for re-election.
With all 20 County Commission seats and all county wide courthouse offices, with the exception of tax assessor, at stake, the year promises to be a very busy year in local politics.
In recent weeks, Administrator of Elections Diane Cline and Deputy Louise Wilson have been busy issuing qualifying papers for this year’s elections. Election commissioners — Obera Morgan, Butch Ellis, Henry Polston, Tammy Smith, and Georgia Ann Boles will then have the duty of certifying those wishing to be elected —.
Persons seeking to be elected to an office must be registered voters. Those vying for commission seats, school board seats and city council seats must reside in the area which they wish to represent.
The position of Sheriff also specifically requires the candidate to be 25 years of age prior to the qualifying date for the election, be a qualified voter of the county, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates for sheriff must meet additional requirements which include a background check for any charges or violations as well as a detailed Armed Forces history. A detailed list of qualifications may be obtained from the Macon County Election Office located at 111 E. Locust Street in Lafayette.
Candidates for constable must meet requirements similar to the office of sheriff.
Some voters may participate in up to four elections in 2006: the Republican Primary on May 2, the City of Lafayette’s Election on May 2, the County General Election/State and Federal Primary on August 3, and the State and Federal Primary on November 7.
Democratic Party candidates will be selected by a caucus of the Macon County Democratic Party meeting on February 11.
Winners of the Republican Primary will advance to face the Democratic Party nominees and Independent candidates in the County’s General Election.
A large ballot for county offices will include all 20 seats on the County Commission, 5 Constable positions, the County Mayor, Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk, County Court Clerk, Trustee, Register of Deeds and General Sessions Judge.
Also on the ballot will be two seats for the Macon County School Board.
The qualifying deadline has been set for February 16, 2006 at 12:00 noon. The election commission will meet and certify candidates applications.
Withdrawal deadline is Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 12:00 noon. Withdrawal statements must be in writing and signed by the candidate.
As of January 20, individuals who have picked up qualifying papers for the various offices are:
Commissioners
District #1 - David Brewington
District #5 - Billy West
District #6 - Phillip Snow
District #7 - Jerry Ray
Jason Bohanan
District #8 - Scott Gammons
District #9 - Tony W. Law
Larry Tucker
District #10 - Mike East
District #12 - Tony Boles
District # 14 - Joel McFerrin
Anna Dean Carter
District #16 - Helen Hesson
District # 18 - Willie Andrews
Robert Grant Malo
District #19 - Lindberg Dennis
District #20 - Floyd R. Sullivan
County Mayor
Steve Jones
Arils Hewitt Sr.
Sheriff
Mark Gammons
Bennie Hudgens
Steve Evans
Keith Tillman
Joe Ferguson
County Court Clerk
James Ralph Howser
Circuit Court Clerk
Jennifer Hudson
Rick Gann
Register of Deeds
Melinda Ferguson
Circuit Court Judge
John D. Wooten
General Sessions Judge
Ken Witcher
Judicial District Chancellor
C.K. Smith
Public Defender
Comer L. Donnell
Criminal Court Judge
Robert Hibbett
Macon County Trustee
Donnie Morgan
Cathy White
Constable:
Malcolm Lane
Rick Noble
Barry Newberry
Loyd Bubba Hix
Charles T. Dallas
School Board
Districts #2, 5, 9, 8, & 10
Wayne Marsh
Districts #4, 6, 7, 12, & 19
Gene Carter
Jimmy Cook
Danny Knight
Lafayette City Council
Ruby Flowers
Carl Hudgens
Steve Turner
Charlie Jones
Jerry Wilmore
Ronnie Krantz
The last day to register to vote is March 31, 2006. Early voting will start April 12 and end April 27.
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