Qualifying for city election begins today

The qualifying period for the City of Apalachicola September 8, 2009 fall election begins today, July 20, 2009, at 12:00PM, and will run through Friday, July 24, 2009, at 12:00PM to fill the expiring offices of the Seat 3 City Commissioner for a term of four years and the Seat 4 City Commissioner also for a term of four years. If a runoff election becomes necessary, the city will hold such on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

Currently serving on the Apalachicola City Council as the Seat 3 Commissioner is Frank Cook. Cook is finishing a two-year appointment following the 2007 Mayors race in which he replaced former Seat 3 City Commissioner Van Johnson. City Commissioner Valentina Webb is the current holder of Seat 4; Webb captured the seat during the 2005 election after defeating former Seat 4 City Commissioner Robert Davis.

Those desirous to enter the race may do so by picking up and returning the qualification forms to City Hall at 1 Bay Avenue and by paying the qualifying fee of $226.80, which is 4.5% of the first year’s city commissioner salary. In addition, candidates must reside within the City of Apalachicola and be duly registered to vote in the State, County, and City. Apalachicola city elections are nonpartisan and held at large.

Those wishing to vote that are not registered, may register at the Supervisor of Elections office now up to 4:30PM on August 10, 2009, for the general election and Monday, August 24, 2009, should there be a runoff. Early voting will commence on August 31, 2009 and run through September 4, 2009, from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Mon – Fri, also at the Supervisor of Elections office at 47 Avenue E.

All residents of the City of Apalachicola not currently registered to vote are encouraged to register and participate in this year’s election.