For those interested in running for mayor, recorder or council, now is the time to throw your hat in the ring.
All but three Preston County municipalities are holding elections this year. Kingwood, Bruceton Mills and Rowlesburg hold their elections at the same time as the county and state.
Unless a charter states otherwise, candidates must be 18 years of age, be a resident of the municipality and not be under conviction of a felony or other disqualification, according to the Municipal Elections Guide, that can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
State law requires candidates to file a certificate of announcement between the second Monday of January and the last Saturday of January before the election — that falls between this week and Jan. 30 this year.
The filing is made with the municipal recorder or clerk, and may be made by mail, but must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than midnight the last day of filing.
Write-in candidates are required to file a certificate of announcement at least 49 days before the general election to have votes for them counted. The filing must be physically in the clerk’s office, not just postmarked, by the filing deadline. Write-in candidates are required to file campaign financial statements. No filing fee is required for official write-in candidates.
Each town will elect a mayor, recorder and five council members. All forms must be turned in with a notarized signature.
Albright
Paperwork to file for the Albright municipal election can be picked up during regular business hours at town hall until Jan. 30.
The filing fee for mayor, recorder and town council is $10.
Masontown
Paperwork to file for the Masontown municipal election can be picked up at the Masontown Water office during regular business hours. Due to COVID, knock on the door to let the staff know you are there. Filing fees for mayor are $25, recorder $20, and $10 for town council.
Newburg
Paperwork to file in the Newburg municipal election can be picked up at town hall from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday until Jan. 30. The filing fee for mayor, recorder and town council is $5.
Reedsville
Paperwork for filing in the Reedsville municipal election can be picked up at town hall until Feb. 6. The filing fee for mayor, recorder and town council is $10.
Terra Alta
Paperwork can be picked up at town hall from 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. The paperwork must be returned to town hall or postmarked no later than Jan. 30. Filing fees are $25 for mayor, $15 for recorder, and $10 for town council.
Tunnelton
Paperwork for the Tunnelton municipal election can be picked up at Tunnelton town hall from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. until Jan. 29. The filing fee is $30 for mayor, $20 for recorder, and $10 for town council.
Brandonville did not respond in time for this report.
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