Hugh Lewis II
Jefferson Jimplecute
Just like spring, election season has popped it’s head up for local officials, and the opportunity to make all of Marion County “wet”.
This year there are three City Alderman and two JISD School Board seats up for grabs.
For Aldermen, Ward 1 residents can choose between three candidates: incumbent Jim Finstrom, B.W. Brooks, and Charles “Bubba” Haggard.
Ward 3 also has three candidates: incumbent Robin Moore, Rod Rodriguez, and Doug Thompson.
Ward 2 had a vacant seat due to the 2020 redistricting, which was completed last year. Ray Hengst was the only person who sought the seat. Richard Turner held this seat prior to re-districting, but does not now live in the ward.
JISD School Board has two seats up for election this year. Current Board President Leah Cooper is seeking re-election and is unopposed.
The other seat up for election is the seat vacated by Kevin Godfrey earlier this year. Two candidates are vying for the position: Rusty Mauldin and Douglas Hurst.
For more information on the candidates, see the Jimplecute’s Voters Guide on page 7 of this edition.
Some residents of Marion County will also see a “Local Option” choice on their ballots if they live in Precinct’s 1-5, or Precincts 8-10.
The ballot reads: “Marion County Proposition A Local Option Liquor JP 1. Legalize the sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages in Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 1.”
These precincts had remained “dry” while the rest of the county allowed the sale of alcohol. Voting Precincts 8-10, on the South side of Lake O’the Pines, are the only areas in the County which does not allow the sale of alcohol. However, liquor sales law follows JP precincts, so all voters in JP1 have the option to adopt or deny the proposition.
Early voting for begins Monday, April 24. Polls will be open daily from 8a-5p at the Marion County Elections Building on N. Alley Street. Early voting ends on May 2. The General Election is on May 6 and polls will be open from 7a-7p.