LISBON — Town officials have discovered there are only two three-year terms on the School Committee up for election in November, not three as stated on the municipal ballot.
There are three seats open on the board, however one of them is a one-year term.
Voting has begun, and it is too late to alter the ballots, according to town officials. The error will cause a failure to elect someone for the one-year term, which will remain vacant following the election.
The two candidates who receive the most votes will be elected to the open three-year seats.
Residents will be able to vote for up to three candidates as directed by the ballot, but may choose to vote for fewer candidates, Town Clerk Lisa Ward said.
“They can vote for only two if they wish, especially if they already know the issue exists,” she said. “The ballot directs them to vote for three.”
Hired in the spring to replace longtime Clerk Twila Lycette, Ward took responsibility for the error. She said it was the first time she has run a general election.
“It’s human error, and we’ve done everything in our power to (make sure Lisbon has a School Committee),” Ward said. “It won’t happen again.”
Due to the correction, the five candidates will now compete for two open seats: Laura Craig, Leonard Lednum, Chelsey Harvey, Kelli Rogers and Mary Jane Wellington. Rogers is running for reelection to the five-member committee.
Committee members, Town Councilors and committee candidates have been notified of the correction, according to a statement from the town office.
The committee will begin a process to fill the open one-year term at its Dec. 1 meeting. Those interested in the position will need to submit a letter of intent to the committee, which will interview the candidates and appoint someone.
Ross Cunningham was originally elected to the seat in 2020, but stepped down after he was hired as the town’s community and economic director last spring.
Kathi Yergin was appointed to fill the position until the November election, at which time someone would be elected for the rest of the term, as required by the town charter.
Residents will cast their ballots Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lisbon High School. Absentee ballots will be accepted at Town Hall until Nov. 3 and by special circumstances until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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