MORGANTOWN — Monday marked the deadline by which candidates for the April 25 Morgantown City Council election had to be filed as a candidate and turn their nominating signatures over to the city clerk’s office.
According to City Clerk Christine Wade, the following individuals have done so:
1st Ward — Joe Abu-Ghannam, James Giuliani
3rd Ward — Louise Michael
5th Ward — Danielle Trumble, Marly Ynigues
7th Ward — Brian Butcher, Ben Mayle
However, a candidate isn’t officially on the ballot until the clerk’s office certifies 75 nominating signatures provided by registered voters within their respective wards. Each voter can only nominate one candidate.
As of Tuesday evening, Wade explained, her office has certified the signatures provided by Giuliani (1st), Trumble (5th) and Mayle (7th) and continue to work on the rest.
She recently explained that process, which involves comparing nominating signatures against signatures of registered voters provided by the Monongalia County Clerk.
“When it comes to signature verification, we do have guidance from the secretary of state’s office. It’s a tough thing. You look at spacing and size and proportion and positions and spelling and loops and cross marks. All kinds of things,” Wade said, adding “It’s a long process.”
This will be the first election in which only a portion of the seven council seats will be up for consideration.
In 2021, the city’s voters passed a referendum doubling term lengths from two to four years and staggering elections so that no more than four councilors are up for election at once.
Noteworthy dates going forward include the March 14 drawing for ballot positions.
April 4 will be the final day to register to vote before the election. Residents of Monongalia County register to vote at the Monongalia County Clerk’s office, located at 243 High St. The county clerk’s office can be reached at 304-291-7230
Write-in candidates have until April 11 to file an announcement of candidacy with Wade’s office.
Early voting will be held from April 12-22 at the Historic Train Depot at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park (185 Garrett St.). Early voting hours will be 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturdays.
The city is still in need of poll workers. Additional information is available at morgantownwv.gov or from the clerk’s office at 304-284-7439.
