County Clerks Urge Timely Candidate Filings Ahead of Elections
County clerks issued a regional reminder on Jan. 6, 2026 urging prospective candidates to file required paperwork promptly for partisan, independent and write-in races and to check local schedules for ballot-position drawings. The notice, which listed recent filings across several counties and highlighted Jan. 5–6 entries for magistrate and constable seats, matters to Owsley County residents because local offices and school board seats could be affected by late or incomplete filings.
County election officials on Jan. 6, 2026 issued a regional update reminding anyone considering a run for local office to complete filing procedures through their county clerk’s office and to observe the differing deadlines that apply to party-affiliated candidates, independent candidates and write-in designations. The clerks emphasized that filing windows and designation rules vary by candidate status and that timely submission is necessary both to qualify for the ballot and to participate in the scheduled ballot-position drawings.
The update provided a snapshot of filings as of Jan. 6, showing activity across a range of county-level offices including county judge/executive, county clerk, sheriff, magistrate, constable and school board seats. It noted several filings were recorded on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 for magistrate and constable positions in the coverage area. Because these local positions affect everyday services and school governance, the filings have direct implications for who will appear on voters’ ballots in the coming election cycle.
County clerks also outlined local procedures for determining ballot placement, explaining that clerks conduct drawings to set ballot order and that those drawings are scheduled on local timetables. Prospective candidates were urged to check their county clerk’s posted schedule so they know when drawings and other deadlines will occur. Missing a filing deadline can leave a candidate off the ballot or force reliance on write-in campaigns, which are subject to their own designation rules.
For Owsley County residents, the practical takeaway is clear: candidate paperwork must be submitted at the county clerk’s office and filing status should be verified with the Owsley County Clerk to confirm whether a local resident’s name will appear on upcoming ballots. Voters and potential candidates should monitor announcements from their local clerk for specific filing cutoffs, nomination petition requirements and the dates and times of ballot-position drawings.
Because the regional update covered multiple counties, Owsley County voters and hopeful candidates should confirm Owsley-specific filing records and schedules directly with the Owsley County Clerk to ensure accurate, up-to-date information about who is running for local office.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
