Residents seeking to run in two special elections this fall can make their campaigns official as the qualifying period for candidates is open through Aug. 20.
Special elections were called for Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk and District 2 Justice Court Judge after deaths of two county officials left those seats vacant. The elections will be held in conjunction with this year’s general elections, set for Nov. 3.
Election Commissioner Brenda Harris said the special and general elections will all appear on one ballot to make things simple.
“It’s not going to be two separate ballots,” she said.
The November ballot will also include seats for U.S. House of Representatives, one of Mississippi’s two U.S. Senate seats, and Chancery, Circuit and Court of Appeals judges, as well as County Court judges.
Awana Simmons, election commissioner for District 3, said judicial candidates do not run by party, which is why they did not appear on the primary election ballot in March.
Candidates for Circuit Clerk must be qualified electors in Lauderdale County and have lived in the county for two years prior to the election. Justice Court Judge candidates must also be qualified electors and have lived in the county for two years prior to the election. Additionally, those seeking the judicial seat must have a high school diploma or equivalent degree and complete a training course within six months of taking office.
All Lauderdale County voters will see the Circuit Clerk race on their November ballot, but only residents of Justice Court District 2 will see candidates for the judge’s seat.
The winners of the special elections will serve out the remaining year of the current four-year term and run for a full term in office again in 2027.
“They will serve one year, and then they’re going to have to run again,” Election Commissioner Gloria Dancy said. “That’s the cycle.”
More information and qualifying paperwork are available at the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk’s office.