I’m beginning to hear some things around town and through my social media channels that lead me to believe that this special election to fill the State Rep seat vacated by our friend Joyce Spilliotis, is going to be like no other election in recent memory here in our sometimes politically apathetic burg.
Although we’re hearing interest from several people with electoral pedigree, I’m also hearing from some unknowns and political neophytes, who tell me they would like to run.
That’s right. You might actually see some totally grassroots candidates on the final ballot.
The requirements for making it to the final ballot are not that daunting. Essentially, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a registered voter
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be a resident of the district for one year preceding the date of the election
- Must get at least 150 certified signatures from registered voters.
If you live in Wards 1-4 and part of Ward 5 (the city hall clerk’s office can let you know if you qualify here), that’s ALL you need to do to get on the final ballot as an independent candidate. If you want to run as a Democrat, you definitely need to win a primary against some better known, better financed candidates. But not if want to run as “unenrolled.”
This could set up some interesting scenarios on the final ballot. Conceivably, we could end up with one Democrat, one Republican, and several “independents.”
So … if you have always wanted to run for office, here’s your chance. City Clerk Tim Spanos says it’s up to the State Legislature to decide on the election dates, and that hasn’t happened yet. When it does, though, we’ll be sure to let everyone know when nomination papers will be available.
By the way, if you’d like to announce your candidacy here on EOP, just let me know.
Good points @BobCroce. I just heard from a certain eccentric entrepreneaur / philanthropist who is seriously considering a run. This individual is decidedly independent minded and could self finance their campaign without giving it a second thought. Residency would be their only stumbling block as they may be technically outside the current district. I recommended a quick check with the city clerk’s office before they got too far ahead of themselves.
What a donnybrook this is going to be. If you like your politics served cold and bloody, this race is just what the doctor ordered.
Things will never be the same in Peabody after this one. God help us all.
Let freedom ring.
TT
Bob I am pretty sure that you must live in either Precinct 1 or 3 in Ward 5. Precinct 2 is now part of Ted’s district.
We could have all independents! That would be the way to go to avoid a primary. Nothing stopping them from changing to independent to run
I hear Mary B. from the mayor’s office is now being considered a contender!!
Go Mary, go!🙂
you have all lost your marbles with this string of posts….show some respect for this position….and do not lose respect for experience gained while serving in a political role…now I know you wonder who OG recommends for this job and I will tell you….I think that Ann Manning would be a great fit for this role….and that’s how OG sees it.
I just read a despicable editorial in the Salem News about the late Joyce Spiliotis. Nelson Benton is a piece of garbage. To write an awful letter like that after she passed is just vitriolic. I thought the stiff retired to Aizona. Why is he still writing hateful things. He’s a complete POS. Now I’m sure were going to read an editorial from him how Fred Berry craps nickels and farts chanel number 5. Please, can you just go the hell away.
Wow. I’m stunned but not surprised. I’ll be posting a response to Nelson today. Geez, you would think he’d just be able to retire and enjoy his grand kids. Instead, he has to continue show everyone what a sad, miserable person he is..
is the article really that negative and that far from reality ???? it seems that Nelson mixes some less than positive observations along with a feel good ending…so why are you getting all riled up about this? OG continues to be amazed that anyone would throw any stones at someone who has so recently passed on but such is politics I guess…say what you want about Spiliotis but she ALWAYS had a large majority of support here in Dark City…was she one of my personal favorites? no, but that doesn’t matter…..