STAFF REPORT

Candidates seeking public offices in Selma are making their intentions known &8212; early.

They have until this summer to qualify for offices, so the 14,583 registered voters in Selma can cast their ballots.

Selma&8217;s municipal election is set for Aug. 26, and the winners will be seated Nov. 3. The fees for qualifying are $50 to run for mayor, and $35 to run for Selma City Council.

George Evans, who has served as City Council president for the past seven years has announced he plans to run for mayor.

Selma businessman Gene Hisel has announced publicly he plans to run for Evans&8217; seat as council president.

Joseph L. Bumbrey Sr., a retired business owner formerly of Spotsylvania County, Va., has also announced he plans to seek Evans&8217; vacated seat as president of the city council.

To run for mayor or a seat on the city council, candidates have to contact the City Clerk&8217;s office on the first floor of City Hall. To seek the mayor&8217;s office or city council, candidates only need to have lived within the city limits or ward for 30 days.

In order to qualify candidates must pay the fees and fill out a brief questionnaire. Qualifying begins July 1 through July 15.

Candidates have to get at least 51 percent of the vote to claim office. If this is not achieved, a runoff election is declared, and it&8217;s set for Oct. 7.

The official canvassing or certifying of election results, will take place seven days after the election, on Sept. 2. Results from a runoff are scheduled to be certified Oct. 14.