Clerk Clarifies Deadlines, Procedures for 2014 Elections

Candidates for county-wide office in 2014 can’t officially get their names on the ballot until early next year, but they do need to let the county clerk’s office know their plans if they intend to start campaigning now. Clerk Evelyn Skronski says they just need to stop by her office in the courthouse and fill out a form in order to campaign or share their intentions with the public. That should be done immediately. However, the first day to formally file intentions of candidacy and get your name on the ballot for the primary next May is Jan. 8, 2014.

Several sheriff’s candidates have already started campaigning for the seat that incumbent Oscar Cowen will be vacating due to term limits. A number of other county-wide offices are also up for reelection next year, including the prosecutor, county clerk, auditor, recorder, coroner and assessor. The District 2 commissioner seat will also be on next year’s ballot. Interested candidates must live in California, Center or Davis Township. The seats in county council districts 1-4 will also be on the ballot, as will the Center Township assessor and all of the township trustees.

North Bend Township voters will weigh in on an at-large seat on the Culver Community School Board. Voters in the Knox Community School District will elect representatives from California, Center 1 and Washington Townships, while Oregon-Davis voters will elect representatives from districts 1-3.

The Starke County Clerk’s Office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The telephone number is (574) 772-9128.