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Randolph County Clerk Will Ellis hopes a list of frequently-asked questions will help prepare you for Tuesday's Presidential primary. Ellis' office has been inundated with calls about the primary, and many residents have called KWIX Radio's "Open Line" with similar questions.
The most common question is why former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's name is not on the Missouri Republican ballot. The Missouri Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office says candidate filing for the Presidential Preference Primary closed in November. Candidates who wanted to appear on the primary ballot were required to pay a $1,000 filing fee and file a written request with the Secretary of State's office. The Gingrich campaign didn't file the written request, nor did they pay the filing fee. The Elections Division forwarded a December "Washington Post" story, which quotes Gingrich as saying he never intended to qualify for the Missouri ballot.
Several callers have asked if they can write-in Gingrich's name. Ellis notes write-in candidates are never permitted on a primary election ballot. Other people have asked why Herman Cain and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. remain on the Missouri ballot. The Elections Division notes November 22 was the last day for candidates to strike their names from the presidential primary ballot. None of the candidates have filed a written statement with the Secretary of State's office, requesting to be removed. That means Cain, Bachman and Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, will be on Tuesday's Republican ballot in Missouri.
The Missouri Republican Party announced in September that it will use caucuses to choose its delegates to the national GOP convention in Tampa. Since the Presidential Preference Primary remained in statute, it must still be conducted. Clerk Ellis also reminds residents that they can view election results Tuesday night at www.randolphcounty-mo.gov. You can also check that site to make sure you're registered to vote.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Georgia
The most common question is why former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's name is not on the Missouri Republican ballot. The Missouri Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office says candidate filing for the Presidential Preference Primary closed in November. Candidates who wanted to appear on the primary ballot were required to pay a $1,000 filing fee and file a written request with the Secretary of State's office. The Gingrich campaign didn't file the written request, nor did they pay the filing fee. The Elections Division forwarded a December "Washington Post" story, which quotes Gingrich as saying he never intended to qualify for the Missouri ballot.
Several callers have asked if they can write-in Gingrich's name. Ellis notes write-in candidates are never permitted on a primary election ballot. Other people have asked why Herman Cain and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. remain on the Missouri ballot. The Elections Division notes November 22 was the last day for candidates to strike their names from the presidential primary ballot. None of the candidates have filed a written statement with the Secretary of State's office, requesting to be removed. That means Cain, Bachman and Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, will be on Tuesday's Republican ballot in Missouri.
The Missouri Republican Party announced in September that it will use caucuses to choose its delegates to the national GOP convention in Tampa. Since the Presidential Preference Primary remained in statute, it must still be conducted. Clerk Ellis also reminds residents that they can view election results Tuesday night at www.randolphcounty-mo.gov. You can also check that site to make sure you're registered to vote.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Georgia
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