Primary candidates file on first day

ELKINS -- Several candidates filed to run for office at the Randolph County Courthouse Monday on the first day of the filing period for the May 14 primary.

Among those filing were all three incumbent Magistrates in Randolph County, including Tracy Harper for Division I, Mike Dyer for Division II, and Ben Shepler for Division III. 

"All three of the incumbent magistrates were the first ones to file at my office this morning," Randolph County Clerk Brenda Wiseman told The Inter-Mountain. "We opened up at 8 a.m. and they were all here around 8:05 a.m."

Incumbent Sheriff Rob Elbon also filed early in the morning on Monday, as did incumbent Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker.

Randolph County Commissioner David Kesling was the final candidate to file on the first day of the filing period, which will remain open until Jan. 27. 

Candidates wishing to file can do so between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. until noon on the final day of the filing period, which is on a Saturday.

"It seemed to be a little bit slower than it typically is on the first day of the filing period," said Wiseman. "I'm not really sure why it was like that; maybe some candidates are waiting to see who files before they do."

Wiseman said that candidates can also file for office by mailing in their announcement certificates.

"If they are mailed in they have to be postmarked by midnight on Jan. 27," said Wiseman. "They have to mail in their certificate of announcement along with their filing fee as well. They can mail those to the clerk's office at the courthouse."

The primary election is scheduled for May 14 and early voting will take place from May 1 to May 11. The general election will be held on Nov. 5, with early voting scheduled for Oct. 23 through Nov. 2. 

Those wanting to vote during the early voting period can do so at the Wees Annex on Randolph Avenue in Elkins, or at the Russell Memorial Public Library in Mill Creek.