The filing deadline for Glasgow City Council is Jan. 5. Ashton Harrison, election coordinator, said if candidates miss the January deadline they can still file as a write-in. GN1 FILE PHOTO. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
With the filing deadline just four weeks away, the chances of a primary competition between candidates who have file for a position on the Glasgow City Council is slim.
According to Ashton Harrison, election coordinator, the filing deadline is Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. with a cost of $50. To file the candidate must be 18 years old, a resident for at least a year, a qualified voter and must reside in the city limits for the duration of their term. They must also file the appropriate forms with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office and, according to documents provided by Harrison, must submit a nominating petition that requires at least two qualifying voters.
Since the passage of ordinance 2019-2413, which decreased the number of city council members from 12 to nine, that was signed by former Glasgow Mayor Harold Armstrong after its second reading on Sept. 9, 2019. Currently, members on the 2023-2024 city council include Terry Bunnell, Patrick Gaunce, Marna Kirkpatrick, Chasity Lowery, Max Marion, James “Happy” Neal, Freddie Norris, Joe Trigg and Marlin Witcher.
As a term on the Glasgow City Council stands at two years they will be on the ballot next year along with Park City and Cave City councils and various school board positions. The council members must each file as a nonpartisan candidate, however a primary is still possible if the number of filers reach double plus one, which, in this case, would be 19 candidates.
Harrison, who started in her position in 2019, said, while it is certainly within the realm of possibility, it is not likely as it stands right now. She said a primary — which was even less likely when there were 12 council members — hasn’t happened since at least 2010. The closest came in 2020 when it only fell short by one or two filings.
Seven of the nine current council members confirmed they had plans to refile for the coming election with Kirkpatrick already having submitted the paperwork to the election office. Happy Neal said he was unsure at this time and planned to make a decision by next week. Marion could not be reached by the time of publication despite numerous calls and emails. Elizabeth Shoemaker, who also submitted her paperwork, is the only other person to file for the city council currently.
According to 2024 Kentucky Election Calendar, should more then 19 people file the primary will take place on May 21 otherwise the council election will take place on Nov. 5, general election day.
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