Annual ballots available for local elections

By Melinda L. Lucas

With the filing period for local elections opening next Wednesday, Jan. 18 and those elections coming up on May 6, county clerk Cheri Hawkins reminds local voters that they can apply for an “annual ballot” for 2023 if they are eligible.

The only voters eligible to apply for annual ballots are those 65 and older or with disabilities.

The annual application is part of the regular “Application for a Ballot by Mail,” and if that box is checked, the applicant is automatically signed up to receive a ballot by mail for any election during the calendar year 2023.

“When I receive the annual applications, I then forward copies to the entities who will have their own elections on May 6,” said Hawkins.

Local elections are not typically held in the Courthouse but at locations designated by the entities, such as city halls, school administration offices, or other public buildings.

Once Hawkins sends notices, the entities should then send mail ballots if there are contested races in May. The county clerk does not conduct the local elections.

Her office will, however, send the automatic ballots for the Constitutional Amendment Election on Nov. 7, 2023, which will be held at the Courthouse.

County registered voters who are interested in applying for the annual ballot can call Hawkins  at 325-762-9415 to request a form or find the application online and send it to Cheri Hawkins, County & District Clerk, PO Box 2109, Albany TX 76430.

A printable form can be found at shackelfordcounty.org. Click on Elections and scroll to the bottom of page where there is a link for the application by mail.

Local Elections

Starting next Wednesday, candidates for school board, city council, and hospital board will have 30 days to sign up for spots on one of the local boards or councils, with the filing deadline set for Friday, Feb. 17 at 5:00 p.m.

There is no filing fee for local races, although one entity does require prospective candidates to submit a petition signed by 10 registered voters in order to enter the race.

Albany City Council

According to City Hall, two seats on the council expire this year currently held by Don Taggart and Lynsi Musselman, along with mayor Susan Montgomery. Each of the positions is for a two-year term of office.

Applications are available at Albany City Hall.

The candidates receiving the most votes will win the positions in the at-large election for the council positions, while the mayoral seat is voted on separately.

Anyone seeking additional information can contact City Hall at 325-762-3133.

Albany School Board

Albany ISD voters will be electing two trustees for three-year seats on the board this year.

Candidates for the AISD election must file for specific seats on the board and must live within the boundaries of the school district.

Positions up for re-election are held by trustee positions held by Robert Montgomery for Place 1 and Ginny Ivy for Place 2, as well as the unexpired term to which Bo Brown was recently appointed.

Applications to file for the election are available at the superintendent’s office.

Hospital Board

The Shackelford County Hospital District’s board has three two-year terms expiring this spring including Leslie Belcher, Jo Ann Estridge, and Mike Folsom. There is also one vacant seat for a one-year term.

Election information and applications are available at the district’s office in the EMS building. Contact Regina Whitt for more information at 325-762-3313.

Hospital board candidates must have their application petitions signed by at least 10 registered Shackelford County voters in order to file.

“We recommend getting two or three extra citizens to sign in case someone isn’t a currently registered voter,” Whitt said. “That happens pretty often.”

Moran City Council

The Moran city council will fill several two-year terms on the council this spring, as well as an unexpired term. The seats are currently held by Christal Herrell, Tyler Kinman, and Gene Thompkins.

Tyler George, who was elected as mayor last spring to fill an unexpired term, must run again this year.

Anyone with questions can contact the Moran City office on weekday mornings at 325-945-3441.

Moran School Board

Two three-year terms on the Moran ISD board are ending this spring, subject to re-election.

Incumbents include Gary Roan and James Shelton.

Packets to file for a place on the ballot are available in the school superintendent’s office during regular school hours. Call 325-945-3101 for more information.

Fort Griffin SUD

Three of the three-year terms on the local special utilities district board will expire this year.

The positions currently held by Ben Hale, Sug Roller, and Robert Montgomery are up for election.

For more information on filing for one of these seats, contact Carrie Holson at 325-762-2575.