September 27, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County is about to enter the political season, at least for the first election scheduled in 2020.
Local primaries will be held in conjunction with the Presidential Preference Primary on March 3 and petitions for the offices on the local ballot will be available beginning October 14.’
“The DeKalb County Democratic Party will hold a primary for the office of Assessor of Property and Constable in all seven districts,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections. “The Republican Party will select their nominees for those offices by caucus.” In addition, both local parties will hold a primary for the office of Criminal Court Judge Part II in the 13th Judicial District.
“I understand it can be a little confusing to the voters and candidates,” Stanley said, “but in simple terms Democratic candidates for Assessor of Property, Constable and Circuit Court Judge must qualify by petition and they will be available beginning October 14. Republican candidates for Circuit Court Judge only must qualify by petition. The other offices are chosen by another party method.”
He also reminded potential Independent candidates that they must qualify by the petition process and can obtain a petition beginning at the same time, even though they would not appear on the ballot until August.
Here are the key dates for the March 3, 2020 election:
First day to pick up petitions—October 14
Qualifying deadline—Noon December 12
Voter registration deadline—February 3, 2020
Early Voting period—Feb. 12 through February 25, 2020
The election office also reminds voters about the rules regarding Absentee voting.
To vote absentee by mail, the voter must make the request in writing and include their name (as registered), social security number, date of birth, residential address, mailing address (if different), the election(s) in which they wish to vote in and political preference if voting in a primary, the reason they are requesting to vote absentee and their signature.
“We will accept written requests for an absentee ballot by mail, fax or email beginning December 4 through February 25,” Stanley said. “All absentee ballots must be returned by mail.”
For more information about the upcoming election call the local election office at 615-597-4146 or log on to https://www.dekalbelections.com.