With little fanfare, another required step in the City of Bridgeport’s 2015 election process took place Tuesday morning inside the conference room of the Municipal Complex. At 8 a.m.yesterday the drawing to determine the order of names on the ballot for the upcoming June 9 election was held.
“(City Recorder) Melissa Matheny did the drawing of the names,” said Bridgeport City Clerk Andrea Kerr. “It was a relatively standard and simple process.”
When it was over, the order the candidates will appear on the ballot for the upcoming election were determined. In the race for the open recorder seat currently held by Matheny – who is not seeking re-election – Harry Murray will be listed first and followed by Darrell Bowen. Both individuals currently are members of City Council – Murray an appointed member, while Bowen was an elected member.
There are two seats open on Council, which are those that are currently held by Murray and Bowen. The order of the names on the ballot for Council – from first to last – are LJ Maxey, Dan Cooper, Rob Garcia, Ben Randolph, Jeff Smell and Mike Bullough.
The drawing this morning was open to any candidate in the race. It was also open to any member of the public that wished to attend, but Kerr said the room was less than crowded. One of the key individuals present was Bridgeport Ballot Commissioner Lisa McKitrick.
“The commissioner’s role is different from that of the poll workers, but all of their work is important. The commissioner helps with the drawing of the names and there is also a commissioner here when I receive the printed ballots to make sure the correct amount of ballots is received from the printer,” said Kerr. “The Commissioners are also here when the polls close as they receive the ballots and information from the precincts and help with the counting of the ballots.” The other ballot commissioner is Carole Kinard. Both women have been ballot commissioners for many years.
The election is nonpartisan and any person who is a qualified voter of the City of Bridgeport may file. A qualified voter is anyone who is a minimum of 18 years of age, a resident of Bridgeport, and not under conviction of a felony or other disqualification.
Anyone living inside the city limits of Bridgeport may register to vote in the upcoming election. Registration can take place at the Harrison County Courthouse, 301 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 or by visiting www.harrisoncountywv.com/Forms/VoterReg.pdf, printing out a form and mailing to: Attn: Voter Registration Office, 306 B. Washington Ave., Clarksburg, WV 26301.
Editor's Note: PIctured above is City Recorder Melissa Matheny, left and Ballot Commissioner Lisa McKitrick. during Tuesday's drawing. The bottom photo is of the ballots as they were drawn. Photos courtesy of City Clerk Andrea Kerr.
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