By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
March 2, 2016

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — For dozens of Missourians, and several Northeast residents, election season is officially underway.

Last Tuesday, candidates waited in long lines at the Missouri Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City to officially file to run for public office. More than 330 candidates paid their fees and filed to run for public office. State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a University City Democrat running for Democratic U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay’s seat representing St. Louis, was the first person in line, arriving as early as 5:30 a.m.

After filling out the appropriate paperwork, candidates reached into a jar to draw a piece of paper containing numbers between one and 998. Those with the lowest numbers will be listed first on the ballot. Candidates who signed-up after Tuesday will be listed in the order in which they file. Traditionally, candidates try to line-up in advance of filing to secure a higher listing on primary ballots.

This year’s ballot will feature races for lieutenant governor, treasurer and attorney general, as well as federal and state legislative seats and some judgeships. Three Northeast residents — Manny Abarca IV, Cliff McMurray, and Ingrid Burnett — spent last Tuesday registering to run for Missouri 19th District House seats. The seat became available when John Rizzo, D-Kansas City, announced his candidacy for Missouri’s 11th Senatorial District, which became available in July 2015 after the resignation of Paul LeVota following allegations he sexually harassed a female intern working in his office. No charges were ever filed. Rizzo has represented Missouri’s 19th House of Representative’s District since 2010.

Also registering last week were Rizzo, incumbent Sen. Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City, Ninth Senate District; and Rep Emanuel Cleaver, District 5. Filing locally in Jackson County were Jean Peters Baker looking to be re-elected as County Prosecutor; Frank White.

This year’s primary is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2016. The general election is Nov. 8, 2016. The deadline to file for any seat is 5 p.m. March 29, 2016.