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County’s ‘Candidates Night’ addresses election inquiries

JOHN RISHEL/THE EXPRESS About 40 people turned out to learn about the process of getting their names on the ballot for the May 21 primary election.

By JOHN RISHEL

jrishel@lockhaven.com

LOCK HAVEN — For residents looking to run for any elected position in a wide range of local offices, the Clinton County Garden Building was the place to be Monday night as county voter registrar Maria Boileau hosted a “Candidates Night” event to answer any questions for those unfamiliar with the election process.

The purpose of this meeting was not for political debate, or to “meet” prospective candidates, but simply an opportunity and invitation for prospective candidates who wish to run for any office to come in and get important information, Boileau explained.

“Maria has been getting inquiries from all parties, questions regarding the process required to become a candidate and run for one of these offices, so we decided to put this together to address these inquiries,” said county commissioner Robert “Pete” Smeltz.

JOHN RISHEL/THE EXPRESS Clinton County Voter Registrar Maria Boileau answered questions and explained the election process at Monday night’s “Candidates Night.”

“We cannot provide legal or accounting advice. All potential candidates are strongly advised to solicit advice from a licensed professional in the appropriate field in advance of statutory deadlines and before filing documents with this office,” Boileau said. “These instructions are strictly introductory in scope and should not be construed as legal advice. Filers are responsible for ensuring the correctness and completeness of all documents. Make friends with your party, that is my best suggestion, because those things we cannot provide for you.”

The packet of information provided to guests included a list of offices up for election, an election cycle calendar, guidelines on completion of petitions, campaign finance and statements of financial interest, polling place guidelines, filing fees and more.

Offices up for election in 2019 include:

r County Row Offices: commissioners, district attorney, register and recorder, prothonotary, sheriff, and auditors.

r City Offices: Mayor and members of council.

r Borough offices: Members of council and auditors.

r Township offices: Supervisors and auditors.

r School directors.

The period for filing petitions and getting signatures required is from Feb. 19 to March 12, 2019.

“Get your signatures, but not before or after these dates. It is considered a ‘fatal flaw’ if you have someone sign early and post-date their signature. We cannot accept it. Do not used old petitions, as they have changed since the last municipal election,” Boileau said.

City and county row offices require a minimum of 100 signatures per candidate, where township, borough and school board positions require a minimum of 10 signatures, she explained.

Signers must be registered to vote and must be from the same political party that the candidate is registered in. They must live and be registered in the same municipality or school district (and ward, district, or region where applicable). School board candidates can cross-file but must have someone from the opposite party circulate the petitions for that party.

The deadline to apply for or make changes in voter registration is set for April 22, 2019.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is May 14, 2019.

Specimen ballots will be made available the first week of April.

“Be consistent throughout your paperwork and throughout your petitions. Read everything you are signing. Print clearly and file early to avoid ‘long lines.’ Make sure everything is filled out correctly and completely before coming in, and respond promptly if we need to contact you,” she said.

Boileau also noted that the three county commissioners typically serve as the county’s board of elections, but with Jeff Snyder and Paul Conklin seeking re-elections to those positions, the board will consist of President Judge Craig P. Miller, Court Administrator Don Powers, and commissioner Robert “Pete” Smeltz, who is not seeking re-election this year.

Anyone who missed Candidates Night, but still seeks information on how to run for an elected office can call the Clinton County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 570-893-4019, email Boileau at mboileau@clintoncountypa.com, or stop in at 2 Piper Way, Suite 309, Lock Haven.

Hours for the Clinton County Elections Office are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The offices are closed Saturday and Sunday.

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