One write-in deadline passes

COEUR d'ALENE - Uncontested candidates in local elections are retaining their seats, others have yet to be determined, and absentee ballots are on their way.

The write-in filing deadline for candidates in the North Idaho College Trustees and supervisors of the Kootenai-Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District was Friday.

Because no write-in candidates filed for those races, NIC trustees Christie Wood and Ken Howard will automatically retain their seats, and only two of the three supervisor positions on the soil and water conservation district will be filled.

Kootenai County Chief Deputy Clerk Pat Raffee announced that, while there were no filings for those races, the write-in candidate filing deadline for Kootenai County offices is 5 p.m., Oct. 7.

All of the county-level races are contested, with at least two candidates - except the coroner's race, where Republican Warren Keene is the only candidate.

At the legislative level there are several uncontested races. In District 2, Sen. Steve Vick is uncontested and candidate Eric Redman is running unopposed for representative. In District 3, Sen. Bob Nonini is uncontested and candidate Don Cheatham is unopposed for representative. In District 4, Rep. Luke Malek is unopposed.

The county is currently mailing absentee ballots with return postage prepaid. Voters who want a ballot mailed can download the absentee ballot request form from the county's elections website: www.kcgov.us/elections.

The form can be returned to the elections office by mail, fax or email. Return addresses are printed on the request form. The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 29.

Sample ballots are also available on the elections website.

Early voting will be available starting Oct. 14 through Oct. 31 at the county elections office at 1808 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene.

The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Currently registered voters should bring a photo ID with them to cast their ballot, or they may sign a personal identity affidavit instead.

New registrants, or those who've moved or changed names and wish to re-register, must bring a photo ID and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency examples are a utility bill or auto insurance certificate with the voter's current residence address listed, and which is dated at least 30 days prior to their voting date.

Voters who have questions about their proof of residency documents should call the elections office at 446-1030.