There will be a primary in Peru this year
By John T. Ryan
There will be a primary election on September 15th in Peru involving the town justice and two-year town counselor positions, but there will not be many voters because only registered members of the Conservative and Independence parties will be voting.
Three men are competing for the two town justice positions on the Conservative Party ticket. They are: James Kirby, John Lawliss and Dennis Reid. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes from registered Conservative Party voters will get the two lines on the ballot. There are only 29 members of the Conservative Party in the Town of Peru.
Members of the Independence Party can write in the name of their choice for the two-year town counselor position. The person receiving the highest number of votes will receive the Independence Party line on the ballot. According to Clinton County Board of Election officials there are 264 registered members of the Independence Party in the Town of Peru.
Board of Elections officials pointed out that some voters who are not registered for any party sometimes believe they can vote in a primary election. Election officials consider an “independent” voter to be a “blank” or “not enrolled” voter; therefore that voter is not eligible to vote in a party primary.
The Independence Party has a standing similar to the Republican, Conservative and Democratic parties. A voter must be registered as an Independence Party member to vote in the Independence Party primary.
Anyone with questions is urged to call the Clinton County Board of Elections at 565-4740.
Posted: August 19th, 2009 under General News, Town Board News.