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The Campaigns Begin

Candidates for county offices will begin filing on Wednesday

By Eugenia Jones

It’s almost time for candidates who are running for County offices to begin filing their candidacies (November 3, 2021 through January 7 at 4:00 p.m.) at the County Court Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse.  The Clerk’s Office provided The Voice with the following points of information to share with all individuals wishing to file candidacies. 

-The filing fee is $50.00.  Candidates must have two voters of the same party from their district (if running in a district) or from the county (if running for county-wide office) accompany them to sign the registration form.

-This year, all forms are online.  To find registration forms, go to sos.ky.gov, choose the election tab, and then select candidate filing forms from the drop down box.  Follow the prompts.  Signatures cannot be placed on this form until November 3, and the form must be notarized.  Candidates may bring the two voters at the time of filing to sign before the County Court Clerk’s staff and notarization can be conducted at that time.  Voters must come with the candidate in order to sign.

-The Statement of Spending Intent and Appointment of Campaign Treasurer can be found at kref.ky.gov.  First, candidates must set up an account with a user name and password.  After that, select “Becoming a Candidate.”  Follow the instructions on completing the KREF 001 form.  When the candidate has completed the form and provided a digital signature of the candidate and the campaign treasurer, the form will be submitted online to await approval by the registry.  Once approved, the form will be emailed back to the candidate.  The approved form MUST BE printed and filed with the County Court Clerk along with the SBE 66 form (Notification and Declaration) at the time of filing.  If there are any problems completing the form, call the Registry at 502-573-2226.

-Reminder!  The County Court Clerks CANNOT file the KREF 001 form for candidates.  It is the responsibility of the candidate to create an account and electronically submit the KREF 001 form and their reports with the Registry.  Candidates needing assistance with the electronic filing process should call the Registry at 505-573-2226. 

McCreary County Court Clerk Eric Haynes also reminds registered voters who wish to change parties before the next Primary — set for May 17, 2022 — to do so by December 31. 

“Additionally, the deadline to register to vote and be able to cast ballots in the May 2022 Primary or to report a change in address is April 18,” Haynes noted.

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