It’s going to be another 11 months before voters go the poll and cast a ballot in the 2008 general election, but that hasn’t stopped the Cowley County clerk’s office from preparing for what is likely to be a busy year.
“I really think after the first of the year we’ll start seeing some people file for office,” Karen Brooks, the county’s clerk and chief election officer, said Tuesday. “We’re already starting to get stuff together.”
Candidates can file at the clerk’s office at the courthouse in Winfield at anytime. The deadline for filing is June 10. A primary election, if needed, is scheduled for Aug. 5.
Aside from the presidential race and other state and federal positions, county voters will also be deciding who will serve the next four years as county clerk, county attorney, sheriff, register of deeds and treasurer. A number of precinct positions will also be open.
Commissioners Carmelita Clarkson and Gary Wilson will be up for reelection, as will Steve Abrams, who represents district 10 on the state school board.
Candidates can pay a filing fee ? which for county positions ranges from $200 to $600 depending on the office ? or file by petition and collect signatures in order to avoid the fee, said Brooks, who confirmed she will run for reelection as clerk.
The clerk’s office is also overseeing the school bond election in Ark City that is set for March. That election will be conducted by mail ballot.
“It’ll be a busy year for us,” Brooks said.
