The DeKalb County Election Commission reminds voters it is important to report a change of address to the local election office.
“While verifying the names and signatures of some of the voters who signed candidate petitions I noticed some voters have changed their address and have not notified the local election office,” said Administrator of Elections, Dennis Stanley. “In order for the name to count as ‘valid’ on
the petition, the voter’s name, signature and address must match the information on file in the election commission office. The only exception is if the voter moved within the same precinct.”
In addition, Stanley said updating your voter file now will prevent any problems or delays on election day.
To find out how to change your address with the election office, simply call the election office at 597-4146 or stop by the office on the lower floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse and fill out a change of address form.
Local candidates are reminded if they are seeking an office that pays $500 or more a month and they plan to spend more than $1,000 in the campaign, they must appoint a campaign treasurer. “Before any contributions can be received or monies spent (except for incidental monies spent by a person to determine if he/she is to become a candidate), each candidate must file an Appointment of Political Treasurer form with the appropriate receiving authority,” Stanley said. “A candidate may appoint him/herself or another person as the political treasurer. If a candidate appoints another person to act as a political treasurer, the candidate must co-sign all reports required to be filed under the Campaign Financial Disclosure Act.” “Also, a candidate or political campaign committee must open and maintain a separate bank account into which all campaign contributions must be deposited,” Stanley added. “All expenditures must be made from this campaign account. Under no circumstances may any campaign money be
co-mingled with the candidate’s private funds.”
Meanwhile, Stanley said candidate petitions for next year’s Smithville Municipal Election can be picked up beginning Friday, December 18th. A mayor and two aldermen seats are up for election next year. In addition, petitions for the upcoming August General Election and state primaries can be picked up beginning January 4th.
On the county level, school board candidates run as non-partisan candidates in the August
General Election and five seats are up for grabs this coming year. On the state level, candidates for state representative, state senator, governor and U.S. Congress can run for their respective party nominations in the August primaries, with the winners and any independent candidates squaring off in November.
The qualifying deadline for the August 5, 2010 elections is noon, April 1.
Archived News & Obituaries