[UPDATED] Qualifying This Week for Local Elections

Qualifying is this week for several local city commission seats and at least one mayoral seat. For those that don’t know, ‘qualifying’ is basically when candidates officially get on the ballot. It has different requirements at different levels, but for local – particularly local non-partisan – races, it typically means you sign a form and hand over some amount of money. The amount of money varies based on the location and position.

In Albany, there are three City Commission positions up for election – Wards 2, 3, and 5. Dorothy Hubbard has already announced her intentions to run for re-election to the Ward 2 seat, and although I haven’t heard an official announcement from Bob Langstaff, it is assumed that he is also running for re-election to the Ward 5 seat. Morris Gurr, the current Ward 3 Commissioner, has already announced he will not seek re-election – though it won’t become truly official until the close of qualifying. Langstaff is particular is being targeted by several, and obviously SOMEONE needs to run in Ward 3. I haven’t heard much about any potential challengers in Ward 2.

In Leesburg, the City Council members are all elected at-large throughout the entire city, and three of the seven posts are up for election this year. These posts are currently held by Judy Powell, Debra Long, and Richard Bush. Mayor Jim Quinn’s position is also up for election.

Smithville’s Ward 3 seat, currently held by Vincent Cutts, is up for election, as is the Ward 5 position there, currently held by Dwight Hickman.

Here’s the thing: The Leesburg and Smithville races in particular are expected to be uncontested. Personally, I cannot STAND uncontested elections. Even when I actually like the incumbent (which DOES happen from time to time), I would rather the voters have a choice and have a chance to voice their opinion, even if that opinion is “I don’t know anything about the challenger, but I don’t like the incumbent.” or its opposite “I’m perfectly happy with the incumbent, and why is this idiot even challenging him/her?”

That amount of money I mentioned earlier to qualify to run for an office? For Leesburg City Council, it is $54, for Smithville City Council it is just $15, and for the Leesburg Mayor position it is $104.

Particularly with local races like this, if you’re willing to get out and work your tail off, that qualifying fee could potentially be the only money you have to spend on the race.

I want someone to challenge each of the incumbents in each of these elections. I’ve got to talk it over with my wife and think about a few other things, but I may even put my own skin in the game here.

What do you say? Who is with me?

[UPDATE] JD Sumner at the Herald is reporting that as of this evening, Langstaff and Hubbard have indeed qualified for their respective races in Albany, and Jim Quinn has indeed qualified to run for his first full term as Mayor of Leesburg. Dedra Blackshear has qualified to run in the Smithville Ward 3 race.