Latest news with #Heltzel
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Incumbents return to office in Bluefield city election
bluefield — There were no surprises in Bluefield's municipal election. The incumbents ran unopposed and were re-elected, according to unofficial returns. Voter turnout in the city was light, according to City Clerk Anthony Heltzel. The election was held Tuesday with voters casting ballots in three different districts. The results will be canvassed on June 9 at 9 a.m. In District 1, Treyvon Simmons was re-elected with 38 votes. In District 2, Mayor Ron Martin was re-elected with 46 votes. In District 3, Daniel Wells was re-elected with 29 votes. Simmons, Martin and Wells will serve another four-year term on the Bluefield Board of Directors. 'I'm deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve a third term on the Bluefield City Council,' Ron Martin, the city's current mayor, said. 'Though uncontested, I don't take this lightly — continued trust of Bluefield's citizens means everything. I'm committed to working hard every day to move Bluefield forward and make our city the best it can be for all who call it home.' Heltzel said the remaining incumbents on the city board won't be up for re-election until 2027. They include at-large board members Matt Knowles and Peter Taylor. But a new law passed earlier this year by the West Virginia Legislature could impact that election. Senate Bill 50 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey earlier this year. It will require all towns and cities in West Virginia to hold their elections on the same day that statewide general or primary elections are held. 'Now the city of Bluefield will have to do that, but we aren't for sure when that will be implemented yet,' Heltzel said. 'So it may effect when the next election is.' Heltzel said the city can't extend term limits of elected board members. He said the city hopes to receive more information and guidance with regards to the new law in the future. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bluefield citizens can apply now for absentee ballots
bluefield – Voters who could be away when the city of Bluefield has its municipal election on June 3 can now apply for absentee ballots months in advance. The city announced Thursday in a legal advertisement in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph that absentee voting applications will be accepted for the June 3, 2025 municipal election for Districts I, II and III positions on the Bluefield Board of Directors. Absentee ballot applications will be accepted starting March 3 through May 28, according to the legal advertisement. City residents wanting to vote absentee in the June 3 election can request an absentee ballot by filing an application form. The applications can be obtained by calling 304-327-2401 Extension 2407, by email at aheltzel@ or in person at Bluefield City Hall. 'The absentee ballot posting that we have is for anybody who knows they're not going to be present on the election day which is June 3 of this year,' said Anthony Heltzel, city clerk, human resources director and assistant city attorney. 'They can go ahead and send in a request for an absentee ballot.' June 3 ballots have not been created yet, but being able to apply for an absentee ballot now lets city voters who may be away that day have a chance to prepare weeks in advance. 'Absentee ballots will be mailed out starting April 18. We don't have any of the ballots ready yet,' Heltzel said. 'These are just people who are wanting to apply because you can only vote in an absentee ballot if you meet the qualifications based on West Virginia Code. What we're doing is just making sure everybody knows that they can go ahead and get in their requests in now if they know they'll be unavailable to vote personally.' There is a deadline for applying. 'All applications have to be in by May 28, postmarked by May 28 end of day,' Heltzel said. 'You can't request an absentee ballot after that.' Candidates for the June 3 city election have not yet been announced. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
