Filing begins Monday for elections

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By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.com

Filing for 2010 elections begins Monday at the Rowan County Board of Elections.

For the first time in three decades, there will be no incumbent candidate for sheriff. George Wilhelm resigned in December after serving three terms, and Kevin Auten has served as acting sheriff since then.

Three seats on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners also will be open, but incumbents Tina Hall, Jon Barber and Chad Mitchell are expected to run for re-election.

From noon Monday, Feb. 8, to noon Friday, Feb. 26, filing will be open for the following offices:

- Clerk of court, currently held by Jeff Barger. The filing fee is $924.68.

- Register of deeds, currently held by John Brindle, $560.71 filing fee.

- Sheriff, $716.97 filing fee.

- Three county commissioner seats. The filing fee for each seat is $122.08.

- District attorney, currently held by William Kenerly, who is retiring this year. Candidates must file in Raleigh with the N.C. Board of Elections.

- Four district court judge seats, held by Charles Brown, Beth Dixon, Kevin Eddinger and William Kluttz. Candidates file in Raleigh.

Brenda McCubbins, elections deputy, said candidates must be at least 21 years old and registered to vote in the state of North Carolina. When they file, they should have their filing fee with them. Anyone interested in running can contact the Rowan County Board of Elections to determine in what district they would be eligible to run.

Also up for election this year are:

- N.C. State Senate 34th district, currently held by Andrew Brock, $207 filing fee.

- N.C. State House of Representatives 76th and 77th districts, currently held by Fred Steen II and Lorene Coates, respectively. The filing fee is $207.

- U.S. House of Representatives, 6th and 12th districts, currently held by Howard Coble and Melvin Watt, respectively. Candidates file in Raleigh.

- U.S. Senator, currently held by Richard Burr, must file in Raleigh.

This year's primary election will be May 4. The general election will be Nov. 2.

For more information, contact the Rowan County Board of Elections at 704-216-8140 or visit the Web site at www.co.rowan.nc.us and click on Board of Elections under departments.