OKEECHOBEE — If you plan to run for city council or for city clerk, this is the week to qualify. There are three city council seats up for election , those of Bobby Keefe, Bob Jarriel and Dowling Watford. At this time, Keefe advices he does not plan to run again. Watford and Jarriel both intend to throw their hats in the ring. City Clerk Lane Gamiotea will be qualifying to run for her office again.

In order to be a candidate, youu must be a city resident, be at least 18 years old, be a registered voter and file your papers BEFORE the deadline which is noon on Friday, August 19.

Qualifying fees are $159 for city council and $762.63 to run for clerk.

Applications are available at City Hall, 55 S.E. Third Avenue, Room 100.

Visit the city's website for the forms you need and call Lane Gamiotea, city clerk, at 863-763-3372 if you have questions.  https://www.cityofokeechobee.com/special-election.html

Election day will be Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early voting will be open Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.

Register to vote by Oct. 11 at the Okeechobee County Elections Office in the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse, 304 N.W. Second Street. For more information, go online to www.voteokeechobee.gov.