Only Mooresville Council Race has more than 1 candidate in General Election
Morgan County’s General Election this November probably will not draw much attention. During a meeting of the county election board Thursday morning, Morgan County Clerk Tammy Parker announced there will be only one contested race.
That race will be between Republican Kirk Witt and Libertarian Danny Lundy for the Mooresville Town Council District 2 position.
Witt beat incumbent Shane Williams in the May primary election.
Parker said the candidates in all other races including those in Martinsville and Mooresville have no opposition. All those candidates are Republican.
Parker said the filing deadline for the election has passed so no one else can be placed on the November ballot.
Elections are expensive
Board members Becky Waymire and Virginia Perry asked Parker about the cost for the November election and, since there is no opposition for in Martinsville, did they have to hold it.
Parker said she would check with the state to see officials are required to hold an election in Martinsville since the candidates are unopposed.
Parker said the total cost for the May primary for both Martinsville and Mooresville was $22,912.
She said the cost breakdown was based on the number of votes cast in each area.
According to the county election office, there were a total of 2,346 votes cast; 715 votes, or 30%, were for Mooresville’s candidates. The rest, 1,631 votes, or 69.5%, were for Martinsville’s candidates. Mooresville paid $6,983 while Martinsville paid the rest, $15,929.
Board members said that since there were no contested races in Martinsville, the city could save money if the election was not held.
Moving 2024 election site
Board members also expressed concern with the 2024 primary and general election. The 2020 election had a heavy turnout at the administration building and board members felt that 2024 would be the same. With the construction of the new judicial campus, parking is in short supply.
The board was concerned that some people may have trouble getting to the polls to vote.
A question was raised about moving the election site from the administration building to another location that with more parking and better access. Parker said she would have to check with the state to see if moving to another location would be possible.
Parker said there will be another meeting later this year to discuss those matters.
Reports reviewed
The board reviewed the campaign finance reports for candidates who made mistakes on their initial filings. All candidates made the required corrections.
The board waived the $150 fine imposed on Mooresville Town Court Judge Susan J. Lieb. Lieb filed her report three days late. The board initially fined her $150 but after discussing the matter, decided to waive the penalty. This was her first time filing late.
~ By Keith Rhoades | Reporter | Published July 7, 2023 in The Reporter Times
