March 17, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Despite concerns over the Coronavirus, the DeKalb County Election Office will remain open in the coming days to conduct official election business, which includes the receiving and issuing of petitions for the August 6 elections.
Administrator of Elections Dennis Stanley said candidates who have yet to turn in their petitions are encouraged to do so in advance of the published deadline.
“The qualifying deadline is Noon April 2, but under the current circumstances it would be wise for candidates to bring those to the election office as soon as practical,” Stanley said. “We certainly do not anticipate a full closer of our office, but taking care of business now should be a priority for any potential candidate.”
Those with petitions can also mail them in, but they must be received by the deadline.
“Mailing in a petition is certainly an option, but those would have to arrive by the required deadline,” he explained, “Simply having the petition postmarked on April 2 would not meet the requirements.”
He said the same applies to those who are considering being a candidate for the various municipal and school board offices that will be on the ballot in August.
“Anyone who wishes to be a candidate should also go ahead and pick up a petition because they will need time to get the required number of signatures and return the petition before the Noon April 2 deadline,” he added.
Those who wish to register to vote may do so at the election office, but Stanley said registration is also available on-line and by mail.
“Persons wishing to register to vote can find a form at our website at www.dekalbelections.com, print the form and mail it in,” Stanley said. “Or they can register on line by logging on to www.govotetn.com and following the simple instructions.”