Absentee mailing kicks primary
races in gear
By Becky Long
Publisher
Two Republican candidates have withdrawn from the county commission race, but not in time to remove their names from the May 3 primary election ballot.
George Denham and Bonnye Williams have declined to move forward as candidates. The filing period was open Dec. 1-19. The deadline to withdraw was Dec. 16.
A candidate withdrawing from the race is required to notify Elections Board Director Rebecca Hall, fill out a notice of withdrawal of candidacy and close out related committees. They also forfeit the filing fee which in this case is $125.92 each.
Denham and Willams’ names will still appear in the commission race on the Republican ballot because ballots are printed, and as of Jan. 12, absentee ballot mailing is underway. Only six requests have been mailed to date.
Absentee ballots must be received by the county Board of Elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
The county commission race still offers a wide field of candidates with seven Republicans and one Democrat vying for three seats on the five-member board. The two unaffiliated candidates are in the process of petitioning to get on the general election ballot in November.
Republican candidates are Robert Seibert, Dwight S. McClure, Tighe White, Christian Reagan, Jason A. Rickett and Andy James. Democrat Keyla Youngblood will be on the November ballot along with the two unaffiliated candidates, Ronnie Byers and Sandy Zimmerman.
It’s possible but unlikely other candidates would come forward to run for office because time is running short. Unaffiliated candidates must obtain the signatures of 4 percent, or 417 registered voters by 12 p.m. primary election day, March 3. In addition, these signatures must be verified by the Clay County Board of Elections.
Clay County’s Board of Education race has also drawn interest with six Republicans and two unaffiliated candidates seeking to fill three seats on the five-member board. Republican candidates are incumbent Jason Shook, Jessica McClure, Keith Parker, Kevin Crawford, Brett Woody and Reba Beck. Running unaffiliated are Jessica McClure and Marcelline Fuerch.
In the sheriff’s race, two Republicans, incumbent Mark Buchanan and former sheriff, Joe Shook, will vie for the four-year term.
Clerk of Superior Court Tim Barrett and Register of Deeds Angie Shook, both Republicans, are running unopposed.
The Election Board has began preparing for the primary for many months. Hall said precinct workers were appointed in August 2025. They are paid between $165-230, depending on the job. Early voting workers are also in place and will be paid $8.54 per hour.
Regarding the voting process, Hall reminds people to bring their photo ID when voting. “If if you have received a letter from the state board about not having provided your drivers license or Social Security number when you registered — if you do not have that fixed — you will have to vote a provisional ballot when you come to vote,” she said.
Voters will not have to wait until March 3 to cast a ballot. Early voting starts at the Board of Elections office Feb. 12 and continues through Feb. 28. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.
If you have questions about voting, visit the county BOE office at 75 Riverside Circle, Suit 3 in Hayesville (the old health department or call (828) 389-6812.