And They’re Off Candidate Filing Opened Monday By Kathleen McFadden While there has been no shortage of political activity over the past year, Election 2004 officially kicked off in North Carolina on Monday with the opening at noon of this year’s candidate filing period. The filing period was originally scheduled for February and the primary set for May, but court challenges to North Carolina districts ratified by the General Assembly in November 2003 postponed both dates. Watauga County Supervisor of Elections Jane Ann Hodges acknowledged on Monday that while there could be more roadblocks to this year’s election, officials are not anticipating any more delays and are “on track for a July 20 primary.” Five local candidates arrived at the Watauga County Board of Elections during the first hour of filing to complete their paperwork, pay their fees and pick up information on state and county laws governing elections. Filing fees represent 1 percent of position salaries. Two Democratic candidates for the North Carolina House of Representatives — Cullie Tarleton and Dan Hense— paid $207 to register their names for the July 20 primary ballot. The winner of the primary will face incumbent Gene Wilson in the general election on November 2. State House terms are two years. Watauga County District 5 commissioner candidate Winston Kinsey, also a Democrat, had a smaller fee to pay. Kinsey paid $78 to run against incumbent commissioner Allen Trivette. District 5 includes the precincts of Bald Mountain, Elk, Meat Camp, North Fork and Stony Fork. Incumbent commissioner and board chair James Coffey also filed to run for reelection. Coffey represents District 2 which includes the precincts of New River 1, 2 and 3. From left, Watauga County Board of Commissioners candidate Winston Kinsey and NC House candidates Cullie Tarleton and Dan Hense completed their paperwork at the Board of Elections when filing opened at noon on Monday. Photo by Kathleen McFadden In the commissioner races, the two candidates who receive the most votes will serve four-year terms, while the third winning candidate will serve a two-year term. JoAnn Townsend had the biggest fee to pay — $422.89 — when she filed to run as a Republican candidate for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Register of Deeds Wanda Scott. Townsend, who has worked in the department for 20 years, is running for the office’s four-year term. Campaign finance is relatively simple — up to a point. Hodges told the candidates that they are not required to file financial reports unless they receive more than $3,000 in contributions or spend more than $3,000 during the election cycle. That $3,000 includes any personal money the candidate spends. Exceeding the threshold kicks in a variety of reporting requirements.The candidate filing period ends at noon on May 4. Important Dates — Election 2004 Seven local offices, two state seats, a crowded slate of candidates for the Fifth U.S. Congressional District seat and a presidential election make voting a participatory sport this year. Election dates and registration deadlines are as follows: Primary July 20 Must register by June 25 to be eligible to vote Primary Runoff (if required) Aug. 17 Must register by June 25 to be eligible to vote General Election Nov. 2 Must register by October 8 to be eligible to vote Voters have two options other than visiting their precincts on election days to cast ballots. Those who wish to vote absentee may apply 50 days prior to the election by calling the Board of Elections at (828) 265-8061. The other alternative is one-stop voting which permits voters to cast their ballots at the Board of Elections office during the two weeks preceding an election. Local Seats — Election 2004 North Carolina State Senate seat being vacated by incumbent Virginia Foxx North Carolina State House of Representatives seat currently held by incumbent Gene Wilson Three county commissioner seats currently held by the following incumbents: District 2-James Coffey, District 3-Jimmy Hodges, who has announced that he will not run for reelection, District 5-Allen Trivette Three Board of Education seats currently held by incumbents Andy Reese, Joe Isaacs and Steve Combs Register of Deeds position being vacated by incumbent Wanda Scott