Nominating petitions due Aug. 31
The Nov. 8 general election will include filling the Jefferson city council seat vacated by Lisa Jaskey.
The city council decided Tuesday not to appoint someone to fill the vacancy but to hold a special election. City attorney Bob Schwarzkopf told the council that scheduling a special election is a little more difficult during an election year than at other times because of black-out dates on either side of the general election, and because of different filing deadlines.
Wednesday, Aug. 24, is the last date to notify the county auditor’s office of an intent to hold a special election with the general, Schwarzkopf said. Also, the deadline for nomination papers is very short. Petitions must be turned in by close of business next Wednesday, Aug. 31.
City clerk Diane Kennedy estimated a special election would cost $3,000. There is a cost savings in holding the election at the same time as the general election.
Council members all said they had heard of two or three persons interested in the council seat. For that reason they favored holding an election rather than appointing someone.
Nominating petitions are available at the auditor’s office at the courthouse. Kennedy said 25 signatures are required to place a candidate on the ballot.
Jaskey was elected from Jefferson’s second ward and the person elected to fill the seat must live in that ward, although all city voters will vote in the election. The term expires in 2019. A map of the council wards is available on the city website.
