Election Deadlines Approaching

The deadline for independents to file for candidacy for public office is Friday, April 1.Secretary of State Elaine Walker says that candidates can go online and get the forms very easily. She says there are typically not many independent or third party candidates who file for office. Only two have filed for candidacy as of Tuesday although neither are listed on the state elections website as having filed for candidacy. Gubernatorial candidate Gatewood Galbraith is currently the only independent running and Kennth C. Moellman, Jr. is running for state treasurer as a Libertarian.She is also concerned there may be a low voter turnout for the May primaries. The deadline to register to vote is April 18. Secretary Walker says it is important for all citizens to be aware of this deadline.“We really need everyone to not only take the right but also the responsibility to register and vote we believe that this turnout is going to be very low in the primary on May 17" says Walker, "and so I’m hoping that the voter’s defy that prediction and turn out to vote.”Secretary Walker says the last election was energized by the Tea Party, but the state still has seen a large number of people not going to the polls in recent years.