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By ELLEN BRABO / For the Washington Daily News

Beaufort County residents who are interested in running for office in the upcoming municipal elections can now file their candidacy. The candidate filing period for several towns, including Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Pantego, Washington Park, and the City of Washington, began today at noon.

To become a candidate, individuals must meet certain qualifications. Candidates must be registered to vote in North Carolina and qualified to vote for the office they are seeking. Additionally, candidates must be at least 21 years old by the date of the election.

The filing period will remain open until Friday, July 21, 2023, at noon, giving prospective candidates two weeks to submit their applications. It’s important to note that all filing fees are $10 and must be paid in cash or by personal check.

The Beaufort County Board of Elections office is ready to assist candidates throughout the filing process. Candidate forms can either be brought in completed or provided by the Board of Elections for signing. Notaries are available at the office for filing purposes. Alternatively, forms can be completed, notarized, and mailed to the Board of Elections office. However, it is crucial to ensure that the forms are received by the office no later than noon on the final day of filing.

Positions available for election vary across the municipalities.

• Aurora will elect two commissioner seats for a four-year term.
• Bath will elect a mayor for a four-year term and has two commissioner seats available for the same term.
• Belhaven has two alderman seats for the East and one for the West, all with four-year terms.
• Chocowinity will elect two commissioners for a four-year term.
• Pantego will elect a mayor for a two-year term and has all five commissioner seats available for the same term.
• Washington will elect a mayor and five city councilpersons, all with two-year terms.
• Washington Park will elect a mayor and five commissioners, all with two-year terms.

Municipal elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Any candidate who wishes to withdraw their candidacy has the right to do so. The deadline for withdrawal is before the end of the third business day prior to the closing of the filing period. To withdraw, candidates must complete a Candidacy Withdrawal Form. The filing fee will not be refunded for candidates who withdraw after the deadline.

For further information or any inquiries, interested individuals may contact the Beaufort County Board of Elections at 252-946-2321 or via email at Beaufort.boe@beaufortcountync.gov.