RUTLAND — Three races await voter decisions when they go the polls — or use mailin voting options — for the annual town election May 8.
The list of candidates will technically be final after the April 5 deadline for any candidate to withdraw, which is after The Landmark’s deadline for this week. After that, voters can plan which boxes they will check if they wish to participate in the democratic process.
“We have three races and one seat with no takers. All papers have been certified and have received at least 42 signatures,” Town Clerk Anita Carlson said.
The Cable Committee/ Rutland Community TV is planning a candidate forum in the coming weeks, Carlson said, although the date has not yet been set.
The ballot features three seats on the Select Board: Jennifer A Leger, Paul T. Mattson and incumbent Leroy C. “Skip” Clark are vying for two three-year seats; and
Jason E. Taylor and Harry E. Sechman are facing off to fill the remaining year of the term of Carol Benoit, who is resigning effective the day of the election.
The third contest is for the Planning Board, where Keith M. Tuttle and Britton James Bradford are both running for a single five-year seat.
Other positions on the ballot without contests are: moderator, one position for one year, Randy E. Jordan; Board of Health, one seat for three years, Elliott L. Nadeau Jr.; Library Trustees, two seats for
three years, incumbent Tressa J. Santillo and Anita I Byron.
There is no candidate for the single three-year seat for assessor. Interested individuals can run a write-in effort; contact the town clerk for information on the process.
Voters will also weigh in on a proposed Proposition
2lA
override question on the ballot, which must first pass at the annual town meeting.
Voters may send in an application to vote by mail. See information on the town website. One form may be used by all
members of a household, but each voter’s signature must be on the form.
The deadline to request mailin ballots is 5 p.m. May 1. The large Town Clerk Ballot Drop Box in front of Community Hall may be used to drop off the application form and to return voted ballots. There will be no In-Person Early Voting for Rutland’s municipal elections, Carlson said.
The last day to register to vote prior to the annual town meeting and town election is April 26.
