Lafayette County residents have just a few days left to qualify for a seat on the Lafayette County School Board or as a Justice Court judge.

The qualifying period ends on Friday, Sept. 6.

The Lafayette County school district seats up for election are District 3, currently held by Dr. Judith Thompson and District 4, currently held by Mike Gooch; however, Gooch has said he is not seeking re-election, according to the Lafayette County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

So far, Erika Hewlett has qualified for District 4 and Shane Russell and incumbent Judith Thompson have qualified for District 3.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be a resident of Lafayette County for two years before the day of the election. Candidates must gather 50 signatures from qualified voters from the district.

Also ending Friday is the qualifying period for the Justice Court Judge special election. The election is being held to fill the seat that was opened with the death of long-time Justice Court Judge Johnny Wayne McLarty, who died after a car crash in December.

Retired Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth was appointed to sit on the bench until a new judge is elected in November.

Seven people have qualified to run in the election – Angie Allen, Michael K. Brown Jr., Michael Shane Brown, Krisi Allen, Ley Falkner, Benjamin Justus and Deanna McLarty Massey.

Absentee voting will open on Sept. 23 and end on Nov. 2.

The general election is Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Both races are nonpartisan and will appear on the ballot along with races for Lafayette County election commissioners, U.S. president, U.S. senate and U.S. representative.