By Becky Long
Publisher
It may seem early, but local politics is about to rise to the forefront as filing for office gets underway in nine days. It begins Monday, Dec. 1 and ends Friday, Dec. 19 at the Clay County Board of Elections office.
The 2026 election is expected to draw a lot of interest because major local offices will be on the ballot, along with state and U.S. representatives.
Seats up for re-election include three on the county commission board held by Clay Logan, Chairman Dr. Rob Peck and Scotty Penland.
The school board follows the same pattern with three terms expiring for Robbie Caldwell, Chairman Jason Shook and Kelly Crawford.
Many may not have made up their minds as to whether they will seek re-election, but the top law enforcement officer has committed himself.
Mark Buchanan, who is in his first term as sheriff, has confirmed he will seek re-election.
“Absolutely, I’m going to run,” Buchanan said. “I’m going to serve the full second term despite some misinformation being put out on social media.”
Other offices include Clerk of Court held by Tim Barrett and the Register of Deeds post held by Angie Shook.
The cost to run for office is generally 1 percent of the base salary payable by cashier’s check, money order, personal check or campaign check.
Filing fees are:
• Sheriff - $708.75
• Register of deeds - $560.11
• Commissioners -$125.92
• Clerk of court - $1,117.26
• School board - $5
• Soil and Water District - $5
NC House or NC Senate - $1395.10
If a person wants to file as an unaffiliated candidate they must submit 4 percent of registered voters’ signatures which is about 392 signature on a petition that will be verified by the local Board of Elections. Unaffiliated candidates will not be on the primary ballot, but will be on the general election ballot.
The 2026 primary election is Tuesday, March 3 and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Clay County Board of Elections office is located at 75 Riverside Circle Suite 3, Hayesville.
Call 389-6812.