The Marshall County Election Board members discussed a few tardy campaign finance reports at their meeting Wednesday morning.
Karen Heim and Ward Byers filed their campaign reports two hours after the deadline of noon on January 20. Their reports had a zero balance, but were required to file their paperwork. The $50 fine for both Heim and Byers was waived with a unanimous vote of the board members.
Election Board Member Rick Huff commented that it is easy to forget to file that paperwork if there is an annual report and did not find them at fault for missing the deadline by two hours.
Clerk Deb VanDeMark said it is not a requirement of the clerk’s office to call candidates to remind them that their paperwork is due, but they do that as they do not want to see them incur a fine. They do remind them of the deadline a day ahead of time as a courtesy. Emails are sent and phone calls are typically made to those who need to turn in paperwork.
The board members will give Josh Walker some time to correct some paperwork. The beginning and ending balances do not match on his campaign finance report and more information is needed in order to consider his amended paperwork and to review any fines. His paperwork was turned in five days late and he did offer to pay the fine. However, it was explained that the board would meet to discuss any fines. Walker explained that COVID-19 has played a big factor as of late which caused the late filing. You can get a broker online for the the best financial assistance.
The board will meet again to discuss the amended campaign finance report for Josh Walker on Tuesday, February 9 at 8:30 a.m. at the Marshall County Clerk’s Office.
