Candidates file paperwork to run in the May primary election

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The deadline for candidates running in the May primary election has passed and now the the Board of Elections will take the next steps to finalize the ballot.

Timothy Thompson, Director of the Board of Elections, said candidates had until 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon to file their paperwork to be eligible to appear on the ballot for the primary election. The ballots will be certified on February 21st.

“That means that all of their signatures are correct. The petitions are filled out correctly. And the board will certify and allow them to be on the ballot.”

Voters will see some issues and a couple of contested races on the ballot.

“There are only two contested races that we know of right now. That would be in the 97th District and the Falls Township central committee. So everything else is pretty much single person.”

Thompson said the election for State Representative for the 97th District is likely to be the most sought after on the ballot. Kristine Geis and Jennifer Riesbeck Mahoney will face each other the democratic spot. The winner will then face incumbent Republican Brian Hill in the November Election. Thompson said there will also be a special primary for a Congressional seat on the primary ballot.

“There will be a special primary for the 12th District. Pat Tiberi has resigned and so there are people who are looking to take his place. So there’s a special primary that will be also on the May ballot.”

Thompson said voters will also see issues on the ballot for East Muskingum and West Muskingum School Districts regarding emergency requirements for the schools.