Filings for both municipal and school board elections began last Tuesday, December 12th with the filing period ending on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
Positions open for filing on Portageville City Council include the offices of Alderman Ward I, Alderman Ward II and Municipal Judge.
As of Monday morning, Vince Berry has filed to retain his seat as Alderman for Ward II. Jesse James has also filed to retain his seat in Ward I. Both of these positions are two-year terms.
Chris Stinnett has filed to retain his position as Municipal Judge.
Individuals who are interested in filing for seats on the Portageville City Council may do so with City Clerk Rachel Wrather at City Hall. While the filing process is simple, some forms must be notarized, so appropriate ID cards are required.
For the Village of North Lilbourn, two trustees seats are open. Currently these seats are help by Ernest McFerren and Gregory Hughes.
For the City of Howardville, The offices of Mayor and two Aldermen are up in April 2018.
Currently holding these positions are Mayor Jessie Newson Jr, and Aldermen Lee A. Hester and Douglas Haney.
In the City of Lilbourn, terms are up for most of the elected officials. They are Mayor, two year term; City collector, two-year term; Chief of Police, four year term; Alderman Ward 1, two year term; Alderman Ward 2, two year term; and Alderman Ward 2, One year unexpired.
Candidates must sign a "Declaration as a Candidate" form, asserting that they meet all of the qualifications to be on the Board of Aldermen. Some of those requirements include U.S. citizenship; being a resident taxpayer of the specific Ward for more than one year; having no federal felonies or misdemeanors, or state felonies; and not owing delinquent taxes.
Filing must be done in person, unless prohibited by physical disability or active military duty. Candidates will also be given documents for review and reference, regarding current Missouri campaign laws.
Filings began last Tuesday, December 12 for many school board positions in the Bootheel. Hopefuls may file through January 16, 2018, at their school district office.
Portageville School Board members Ronnie G. Adams and Ronnie K. Adams have three-year terms that will end in April. As of Thursday, both had filed for candidacy. Individuals who are interested in filing for the Portageville School District seats can do so at the office of administration building with the board secretary.
In the New Madrid County R-1 School District, three-year terms held by Ralph Barnwell Jr. and Demetrius Moore will end in April. Filing as of last Thursday were Barnwell and Moore.
According to the Missouri School Boards Association, there are relatively few qualifications to run for the local school board in most school districts in the state.
A candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident taxpayer of the district, a resident of Missouri for at least one year preceding the election and at least 24 years old.
Successfully elected board members are further required to complete 16 hours of orientation and training within one year of their election, according to MSBA.