Ballot order established in Du Quoin's April election

Both mayoral candidates and all but one of the 12 candidates for Du Quoin city commissioner were gathered at city hall Monday as the door opened to accept filings for the April 7 municipal election.

"It was orderly. It went well," said city administrator Brad Myers, who arrived early to make sure the office was ready to open.

State statute requires that ballot positions are established by a lottery (drawing) for ballot position if all candidates show up at once.

In the election for mayor, incumbent Rex Duncan's name will be first on the ballot and opponent Guy Alongi will be listed next.

In the drawing for ballot position in the commissioner's race, here is the order names will appear on the ballot: Gerald Whitley, Don Kunkel, Steve Zoller, Yvonne Morris, Josh Downs, Dale Spencer, John Tilley, Joe Stephens, Michael Ward, Angie Roach and Chuck Genesio.

Announced commissioner candidate Harvey Smith did not file Monday morning and has until next Monday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. to do so.

Three Filings So Far in Pinckneyville

Pinckneyville City Clerk Fran Thomas said Monday that two candidates filed for city commissioner and one candidate filed for mayor on the first day of filing.

Incumbent commissioner David Stone filed for public property commissioner and Sammy Peradotta filed for two seats--streets and public improvements and accounts and finance commissioner. He has until Jan. 27 to withdraw his name from all but one of the races. In other words, he will seek election, but hasn't yet decided which seat he will run for.

Longtime soil and water conservation director Robert Spencer filed for mayor.

Ballot positions are not as important in Pinckneyville because candidates run for specific seats. There was little need to line up at city hall when the doors opened Monday morning.

Four File So Far in District 300 Election

The only petitions received so far in local school races Monday were in the Du Quoin Community Unit District 300.

The Du Quoin school board has representatives for what are called "in town" and "out of town" seats.

Incumbents John B. Vancil and Paul Brock and newly announced candidate Doug Bishop have filed for out-of-town seats on the board. Incumbent Larry Valier has not yet filed.

Incumbent Zach McPherson is the only candidate that has filed for the "in town" seat.