Absentee voting under way for March elections

City of Clovis officials have published ballots for the March 1 elections and absentee voting is under way in the clerk’s office at City Hall.

Four city commission and the mayor seats are open for election and voters in all four districts will be asked one question:

• “Shall a new section be adopted to the Clovis City Charter to read: The city commission by Ordinance shall require voter authentication by photo identification for municipal elections.”

Commissioners, by a 5-4 vote, decided in November to place the question on the ballot.

If approved, City Clerk LeighAnn Melancon said a charter review committee will be formed to work out details of the Voter ID ordinance. The committee will make a recommendation to the city commission, which has final approval.

Incumbent Mayor David Lansford is running unopposed.

Commission candidates are as follows:

• District 1: Ladona K. Clayton, Rodney S. Muffley, Dhawal “Danny” Jariwala, Constance C. Belcher, George Talmadge Jones IV, Kyle D. Snider. (Incumbent Randal Crowder is not seeking re-election)

• District 2: Gayla D. Brumfield, Sandra Taylor-Sawyer (incumbent).

• District 3: Robert O. Sandoval (I).

• District 4: Chris Bryant (I).

The city has five polling places, including Clovis Fire Station No. 5, at 220 E. Brady, which is a new location.

Election Day voting will also take place at Colonial Golf Course, Youth Recreation Building, Roy Walker Community Center, and Trinity United Methodist Church.

Registered voters may vote at any of the five locations on Election Day.

Melancon said commissioners are paid $7,000 annually. The mayor is paid $8,000 annually.

Elected officials are eligible for all city benefits, including retirement, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.

Key dates:

• Tuesday: Last day to register to vote at the county clerk’s office, 700 N. Main;

• Feb. 10: Early voting begins, 8 a.m. at the city clerk’s office, 321 N. Connelly;

• Feb. 26: Last day for early voting in person;

• March 1: Election Day;

• March 7: Last day for candidates to request a recount.