Judge Jon Payne, who also serves as Chattooga County’s Election Superintendent, is reminding local residents contemplating running for elected office, that qualifying starts next week.

Judge Payne says that the only local offices up for consideration this time are school board seats on the Chattooga County Board of Education.  Three seats, the Lyerly, Menlo and Pennville Districts, will be up for grabs.

Those seats are currently held by Larry Weesner, School Board Chairman Eddie Massey and Alma Lewis – all three were elected as Democrats.

Those interested in running will be required to qualify for one of the seats as either a Republican or a Democrat next week.  Qualifying fees were set by the county commissioner and for school board the fee is $90.

The local political parties will accept qualifications starting on Monday of next week, March 5 and qualifying will take place until Friday at noon.

The State Court Judge’s position, currently held by incumbent Jon Dennis will also be on the ballot this year.  Two Superior Court Judges will also be on the ballot – those qualifications take place in Atlanta.

So far the only apparent contested race for Superior Court Judge will be for the seat currently held by Ralph Van Pelt.   Attorney Melissa Hice, who lives in Rock Spring and practices law in Summerville, has announced that she will qualify to run against Judge Van Pelt.  Also, Superior Court Judge Don Thompson will be qualifying for his first full-term in office, since being appointed two years ago.