Highland Registrar Lists Candidacy Requirements

2015 is an election year for constitutional officers in the state of Virginia. Eleven seats will be up for election in Highland County – 3 Board of Supervisors, 3 School Board, Sheriff, Treasurer, Clerk of the Court, Commissioner of the Revenue and Commonwealth Attorney. Delegates  for the Virginia House of Representatives and Senate will also be chosen as well.

General registrar for Highland, Alice Shumate, discussed the qualifications and requirements necessary for interested individuals to become candidates for the local positions.

“First, you have to be a resident and registered voter of Highland County. Second, you have to file a candidate qualification form with me. You have to file a statement of organization form. What that is is you have to open an account, whether you use it or not, that’s all a part of qualifying. You have to file a declaration of candidacy, and the petitions. You have to have 125 signatures.

“There is a website, www.elections.virginia.gov. And that is the website that they can go to that will give them all the information that they need in becoming a candidate.”

The deadline for having this work completed and filed is June 9^th, at 7:00 pm. Candidates cannot campaign until their forms and petitions are validated.

“I have to verify all the signatures. So once that’s done, and they have met the 125 signatures, I will let them know they are qualified. Their campaign can begin. And then I certify, to my electoral board, my candidates, who have qualified to have their name put on the ballot. And then we will have a deadline to certify to the state board of elections.”

Several candidates have already qualified.

“I’ve had six candidates file paperwork with me – three are qualified. It is for the office of Sheriff, Clerk of the Court, Commissioner and Treasurer.”

“If you’re interested, and you want to come out, come out – it’s everybody’s right. Contact my office at 468-2013. Keep in mind, my office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 until 4:30 pm. Of course, I’m here to help, however I can.”