This week’s featured question was submitted for Lincoln County Clerk Chris Marlowe
The question reads-
“What is the process to register to run for county and town board and when are the elections held? Are there any particular requirements for candidates? Thank you!”
Answer as given by Marlowe:
“The process of registering to run for a county board supervisor and a town board supervisor vary slightly. The main difference is the office in which you begin the process. As both positions are elected you must file for candidacy to be placed on the ballot. A county board candidate would begin the process in the county clerk’s office and a town board candidate would begin in the town clerk’s office. Without getting into too much detail, I would suggest beginning the process by contacting the clerk in the correct office for the specific forms that one must complete to be placed on the ballot. We have 22 supervisory districts which each have a representative on the Lincoln County Board. The county clerk’s office or website can help determine your district. These elections are held in the spring of even numbered years.
“All 22 terms are for two years and run concurrent meaning they are all elected the same year. Town supervisors also serve a two year term. These term dates vary by town. Town supervisors can be elected in odd and even years depending on town board rules but are also always elected in the spring elections. There are some towns which hold a caucus to determine who will be placed on the ballot. A caucus is a town meeting in which the public is invited to nominate candidates for their supervisor positions. If there are more than three candidates, a vote during the meeting will determine which names will appear on the ballot. This eliminates the need for a primary election to determine the general election candidates. In both supervisor positions a candidate qualifies for the position by being a resident of the town or district and a registered voter in good standing. A registered voter must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age at the time of the election, and must not be a convicted felon still serving a sentence. Step number one for becoming a candidate for a local board supervisor position should be contacting the clerk in the correct filing office. The county clerk’s office will be glad to answer any questions regarding local elections and can certainly connect with your town clerk.”
Do you have a question or concern you would like to address with a local official? If so, simply email your question or concern to [email protected]. Currently, ten city, county and state officials participate in the Ask an Official feature. Participating officials are as follows: Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson, Merrill Common Council President Rob Norton, Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug, Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett, Merrill Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Sample, Merrill Area Housing Authority Executive Director Paul Russell, Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Jason Hake, Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Director Kevin Kleinschmidt, Tomahawk Police Chief Al Elvins, Wisconsin DNR Conservation Warden Curt Butler and Wisconsin State Patrol Lieutenant Richard Reichenberger. Please Note: Those who choose to submit a question or concern will remain anonymous.