With the national election just in the rearview mirror, something else is sneaking up on the City of Bridgeport. In a little more than half a year, the city will be holding its own election.

 

Bridgeport City Clerk Andrea Kerr confirmed the next municipal election, which is nonpartisan, will take place on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. The election will be for three seats on Council as well as the position of mayor.

 

The seats are currently held by Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer and Council members John Wilson, Diana Marra and Dustin Vincent. All four have confirmed they will run for office in 2017.

 

While the election is in June, the filing period began yesterday. The filing period ends Friday, April 14, 2017 at 4 p.m. Kerr said the certificates have to be filed with her office and there is a filing fee of $25.

 

That may seem like a long filing period. According to Kerr, it is and there’s a reason for it.

 

“We are in a unique situation in Bridgeport. The typical filing period for a candidate only runs through the month of January. State law says that filing can run through January or as dictated by the (city) charter,” said Kerr. “Our charter says 60 days prior to the election, which allows the filing period to end April 14.

 

“With a longer than normal filing period, we hope people that are considering running may see the benefits of public office and helping the community by serving it,” she continued. “The extended period, at worse, gives those individuals considering more time to think about it.”

 

The time to obtain certificate declaring candidacy for mayor or one of the Council seats is during regular business hours at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex (515 West Main Street) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

So what do you have to do in order to run for office, or be eligible?

 

According to information provided by the city, the key thing is that they are a qualified voter. If qualified, then it comes down to anyone who is a minimum of 18 years of age, a resident of Bridgeport, and not under conviction of a felony or other disqualification.

 

Kerr also said individuals that would like to vote in the upcoming election can easily make themselves eligible. Kerr said residents can go to the Harrison County Courthouse (301 W. Main Street, Clarksburg) or go online, print out a form, and mail it to: Attn: Voter Registration Office, 306 B. Washington Avenue, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

 

Those forms can be found online. Go to www.harrisoncountywv.com/Forms/VoterReg.pdf to print off the form. The voter registration office can be contacted at 304-624-8613 for those with questions.

 

Editor's Note: City Clerk Andrea Kerr is shown below.