Since several hopefuls for the nation’s highest office have literally been campaigning for a year now, most people are looking forward to the even year federal elections of 2012, which will see a President, Congressional members and U.S. Senate members sent to Washington, D.C. However, there will also be several local and state (district-wide seats) on the ballot next spring and even more next November.

Even though the 2011 general election is just two weeks behind us, filing for offices to be filled in 2012 has already begun, including one local candidate getting an early start.

Clinton Circuit Court Clerk Jake Staton filed for re-election to that office in the County Clerk’s office two weeks ago, becoming the first local candidate in the 2012 race. Staton, a Republican, will be seeking his third term as Circuit Court Clerk.

Similar to the race for Property Valuation Administrator in Kentucky, anyone filing for the office of Circuit Clerk in the state has to first take and pass a test to qualify to be a candidate. That particular test is scheduled to be given next month and any other person who passes would quality to become a candidate for the office.

Other than the various federal offices that will be on the ballot in 2012, among other races in Kentucky will be State Senate seats in odd numbered districts which are elected to four year terms and all state House of Representative seats.

There will only be one Justice of the Supreme Court race on the ballot next year (not involving Clinton County), that being in district seven. Those judges are elected for six-year terms.

Other local races in Kentucky that involve district races is that of Commonwealth’s Attorney seats. Those prosecutors also serve six-year terms.

Races that may bring more local residents to the polls will involve those that won’t take place until next November’s general election.

Two non-partisan races, other than the aforementioned, that will be held locally include three local Clinton County Board of Education member seats (four-year terms) and all six members that make up the Albany City Council, who serve two-year terms. Both of these races are filled on a non-political partisan basis.

The filing deadlines for most state and some local elections in early 2012, while those candidates who seek non-partisan offices have until next summer to begin filing.

The Clinton County News will continue to keep readers updated, as filing takes place, on candidates that will appear on the local ballot next spring.