By Stephen Smoot
With the agreement forged between the City of Shinnston and the Harrison County Commission, certain changes have come to the process of choosing elected officials.
First, the Shinnston City Council At-Large election will take place alongside the West Virginia State primary election on May 14. City Council made an adjustment to the City Charter to allow municipal law to conform with combining the elections.
Approval between the City and County came in the form of a signed memorandum of understanding agreed to by both government entities.
Shinnston elections remain non partisan and those selected will take the oath of office on July 1.
In future elections, the City will still register candidates, but Harrison County will administer the elections. According to city clerk Kathleen Panek, “this partnership with the elections saves both entities time and resources.”
Panek also shared that “due to an unfortunate filing error, there is a write-in candidate for Council At-Large.” and that three Council positions are open for election. Three names will appear, Bill Watson, Mary Ann Ferris, and Vance Sosinski. Rodney Strait will be available as an official write-in candidate.
Those selecting a write-in candidate must check the box at the write-in line and enter the name of the selected candidate. Only three or fewer candidates may be selected ain this section of the ballot.
Voters have four polling places. Ward One, which is East Shinnston, votes at St. Ann’s. Ward Two, representing Downtown, will have its polling location at the Women’s Club. Ward Three, Pleasant Hill, can vote in the Lincoln High School Commons.
Finally, Ward Four, the West Side, will find its polling place at Otterbein Church.