Published: July 31, 2008 10:42 am      

Voter registration deadline for runoff set

It’s only been determined since Tuesday night that will be a runoff election on Aug. 26 in the races for Pittsburg County sheriff and for the District 3 County Commission post.

And now, the deadline — for anyone who isn’t already registered — to register to vote in the races is rapidly approaching. The deadline is Friday.

The sheriff’s race and the race for the county commissioner’s post are both Democratic primaries — which means only registered Democrats can cast ballots.

However, Friday is also the deadline to register to vote for an upcoming school bond election for McAlester Public Schools which will also be on the Aug. 26 ballot — which will be open to all voters in the McAlester school district.

Those who need to register should have their application forms completed and mailed in time to be postmarked no later than midnight on Friday.

Documents calling for the school bond election for McAlester Public McAlester Schools arrived in the form of two separate resolutions: One for $450,000 to purchase transportation equipment, and another for $850,000.

The $450,000 school bond transportation question would be used to replace school buses, said McAlester Public Schools Superintendent Jim Northcutt.

“We’d like to replace five buses,” Northcutt said. The buses could be replaced at the rate of one per year, he said.

The $850,000 school bond issue would be used to bring the classrooms up to date with technology, according to Northcutt. It would also include money to pay for new band uniforms.

If it passes, the bonds would be issued in series, he said.

Applications for voter registration can be obtained from the Pittsburg County Election Board office inside the Professional Building at 10 E. Washington Ave., adjacent to McAlester City Hall.

The forms are also available at most post offices and public libraries in the county, as well as motor vehicle tag agencies, public assistance agencies, agencies serving the disabled and military recruitment offices.

Anyone needing more information can phone 423-3877.

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.