craigdailypress.com

Craig city clerk Shirley Seely hopes for a good turnout at the April 3 city elections.

She is hoping against history.

"Usually we get right around 500 people, which is not really good," Seeley said.

There are 5,134 registered voters in Craig. In 2005, the city election drew 547 voters, and the city election of 2003 drew 526 voters.

Five candidates have completed the requirements to run for the three open seats on the City Council, including Ray Beck, Rod Compton, Bridgette Harris, Joe Herod, Don Jones and David VanWagner.

Current council members Tom Gilchrist and Kent Neilson are term limited and are not seeking re-election.

Councilman Joe Herod is finishing his first, four-year term on City Council and is seeking re-election. His name will be on the April ballot along with Mayor Don Jones, who is running unopposed for re-election.

Jones has served on the council since 1995, before term limits -- limiting politicians to two four-year terms -- were put into place. He has completed his first two-year term as mayor, and is allowed two more terms if re-elected.

Candidates must submit any corrected petitions or withdraw their names from the nomination by Monday.

Candidates must submit financial statements three times during the election process. Pre-election campaign spending reports must be filed on March 20 and on March 30 under the Fair Campaign Practices Act. A post-election campaign finances report must be filed by May 1 to the city clerk.

The recent adoption of the amended city charter by voters in the November general election increased campaign spending-limits from $250 to $500 per candidate.

The names of election judges -- those who will preside over the election -- will be presented to City Council for approval March 13, for appointment before the March 19 deadline for judges.

Printed ballots are required to be in possession of the city clerk by Friday, March 23.

No ballot questions will appear on the April ballot, and the city is coordinating with Moffat County to use the county's electronic voting machines, which were used for the first time in the November general election.

The city election will be held at the Centennial Mall, 1111 W. Victory Way, on April 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Election questions may be directed to Seely at 826-2008.