Despite election delay, write-in candidate filing deadline is Friday

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Although April 7 municipal elections in Missouri have been delayed, the deadline for write-in candidates to file for those offices is still 5 p.m. Friday.

Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said his office is required to stay open for this process.

In light of growing concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order last week postponing all municipal elections slated for April 7 until June 2.

The deadline for candidates who want to run in the Aug. 7 countywide primary to file is still 5 p.m. March 31, Korsmeyer said.

As of Tuesday, all candidates who have filed to run for Cole County elected offices are Republicans.

Candidates who have filed for Western District commissioner are Gary Bemboom, Harry Otto and incumbent Kris Scheperle.

Candidates who have filed for Eastern District commissioner are Rick Mihalevich and incumbent Jeff Hoelscher.

Candidates who have filed for assessor are Jonathan Roy Meyers, Rick Prather and incumbent Chris Estes.

For the new second associate circuit judge position, candidates who have filed are Brian K. Stumpe, Todd T. Smith and Matt Willis.

For the circuit judge, Division II, race, candidates who have filed are incumbent Judge Dan Green and David Bandre.

Four offices have had only one candidate file for the election. They include Ralph Jobe for public administrator. Current Public Administrator Joe Kuensting will not run for re-election. For treasurer, incumbent Eric Peters is the only candidate to have filed. For sheriff, incumbent John Wheeler is the only candidate to have filed. For circuit judge, Division III, current Associate Circuit Judge Cotton Walker is the only candidate to have filed.

Because of the social distancing policies being instituted in response to COVID-19, Korsmeyer said, the doors to the clerk's office are locked, but the staff is there to take care of daily business. Anyone wanting to file as a candidate is encouraged to call the clerk's office at 573-634-9101 so staff can have the paperwork ready prior to their arrival.