Qualifying begins next week for Trenton and Bell municipal elections

By Carrie A. Mizell

Qualifying for candidacy in the upcoming City of Trenton and Town of Bell municipal elections will open on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31 and run through Friday, Nov. 4.
Offices up for election within the City of Trenton include Mayor-Commissioner Glen Thigpen’s seat and City Commissioner Arlene Wilks’ seat.
In Bell, Group 1, Town Council member Iris Roberts’ seat will be up for election, along with Group 2, Town Council member Ray Sanders’ seat.
Anyone who is a resident of the City of Trenton and a qualified elector can seek election to the Trenton City Council. Likewise, anyone who is a resident of the Town of Bell and a qualified elector can run for office in the Town of Bell.
Citizens who are interested in running for municipal office must fill out the necessary paperwork at the Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections Office, which is located inside the Gilchrist County Courthouse. Again, qualifying will be Monday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on that day. In Bell, registered voters should vote at the Bell Community Center, which is located at 1180 NE Main Street. Trenton voters should cast their ballots at the Trenton Community Center, which is located at 214 SE Third Avenue in Trenton.
If a run-off election is necessary, the date will be December 20, 2011.
Once elected, the citizen will serve a two-year term on the Bell Town Council or Trenton City Commission.