The Blaine County Election Board has released its sample ballots for the April 1 municipal elections. The last date to register to vote is March 7. Ballots are resident specific.
The Canton ballot includes Jodi Nelson Vowell, Greg Ryan and Roger Gibson as candidates for the board of trustees. Two will be selected.
The Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center ballot shows Lance Shenold and Patrick Michael Hayes as candidates. Only one will be elected.
Over in Geary, Trey Carter, Lois Hicks, Lee Posey and Micah Penrod are vying to complete the unexpired term for mayor. One will be elected.
Seeking the seat for council member in Ward #2 are Ashley Hurst, Robert Haley and Tatum Wigington. One will be seated.
Seeking the seat for Ward #4 are Darrla Golden and Kim Lewis. One will be selected.
In Hydro, part of which lies in Blaine County, three candidates are in the contest for two seats on the board of trustees. They are Eric Entin, Kennith Nunn and Tommy Bryant.
And in the crowded race for Watonga City Council there are four seats up for grabs. Only one will be selected for each ward.
Vying for council member status in Ward #1 are Dylan Ford, Roy T. Hampton, Cheyenne Brown and Tumara Moore.
Those seeking to represent Ward #2 are Deborah McGee and Robert Sawyer.
Running to fill the unexpired term for Ward #4 are Gerald Fortney and Howard Hursh Sr.
The at-large seat is also for an unexpired term and those seeking that seat are Neal Riley, Trey Chapman, Marcus Wray and Verlen Bills.
In municipal elections in Blaine County the residents of a town can vote for representatives for each ward, not just their own. The candidate with the most votes wins. A recount is held in the event of a tie or if a protest is filed.
The Watonga Republican is hosting two Watonga candidate forums. The first, for Wards #4 and at large will be at 6 p.m. March 11 at the Foley Building at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. The second, for Wards # 1 and #2 will be at 6 p.m. March 11, also at the Foley Building. They are free of charge and will present an opportunity to meet the candidates, learn what their vision for the future of Watonga looks like and ask questions.
This newspaper is also hoping to set a similar forum for Geary candidates and is looking for a suitable date.