×

County to host ‘Candidates Night’

LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Voter Registration and Elections Office will host a Candidates Night where “anyone can walk into the meeting and learn,” according to Clinton County Commissioner Robert “Pete” Smeltz.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, in the commissioners meeting room on the second floor of the county’s Piper Building, 2 Piper Way, Lock Haven.

“If you are considering running or if you are supporting someone who is thinking about running, you should plan to attend,” said Maria Boileau, director of Voter Registration and Elections in Clinton County.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide potential candidates information on everything they need to know to run for a wide range of local offices.

The agenda includes a review of the election calendar, a review of petitions, statements of financial interest, filing fees and cross filing. A review of campaign finance forms, voter lists and polling place guidelines will also be discussed.

Candidates in the May 21 Primary Election can begin to pick up petition packets at that meeting.

The first day to obtain signatures for candidate’s nomination petitions is Feb. 19 and the last day to circulate and file nomination petitions is March 12.

The Clinton County Voter Registration and Elections Office asks that candidates do not use old petition forms as the forms change. New forms can be picked up at the Piper building, Suite 309, beginning Feb. 11.

The last day to register to vote or change a registration before the primary is April 22. The last day to obtain a civilian absentee ballot is May 14 and the last day to obtain a voted civilian absentee ballot is May 17. The Primary Election is Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

County offices up for election in 2019 include the commissioners, district attorney, register and recorder, prothonotary, sheriff and auditors.

Borough offices include members of council and auditors while the township offices include supervisors and auditors.

For the city offices, the mayor and members of council are up for election.

These offices require candidates to be residents and registered voters in the municipality or county, and candidates are also required to be at least 18 years of age and be a United States citizen.

All offices require a list of signatures from each candidate, and it is the candidate’s responsibility to check the requirements for the minimum number of signatures for the position they are seeking.

Some positions also require filing fees, cash or certified check only, and it must accompany the petition filing if required.

A copy of statements of financial interests must also be filed with petition.

Tax collector candidates running for office the first time must file a copy of the Pa. State Police Background Check with their petition.

There will be no political commentary or discussions at the event, no legal advice, financing or that sort of thing,” said Smeltz. “It is just to go over the forms and teach new candidates what we expect back as they are completed. There is no ‘political parties’, it is for everybody.”

To register for this meeting or obtain additional information, please call the Voter Registration and Elections Office at 570-893-4019 or contact Boileau at mboileau@clintoncountypa.com.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $3.69/week.

Subscribe Today