February 3, 2021 – A candidate for Decatur City Council filed a withdrawal of candidacy this week, however, the County is still on the hook for a primary.
Anthony S. Chapple filed his withdrawal with the Macon County Clerk on February 2, 2021. The deadline to withdraw from the Consolidated Election was December 17th.
A primary election for the April Consolidated Election was triggered after Eric Summerlott filed an intention to run as a write-in candidate. Twelve candidates, including Anthony Chapple, previously filed their nominating petitions during the filing period in November of 2020. Others on the ballot include incumbents David Horn and Chuck Kuhle, as well as challengers Ed Culp, Aldophis Cooper, Marc Girdler, Jacob Jenkins, Elijah England, John Phillips, Hardik Shah, Marty Watkins, and William Wetzel.
Regardless of the fact that the criteria to require a primary is no longer valid, the February 23, 2021 Consolidated Primary will still be conducted per state statute. According to state statute, once the ballot for the primary ballot has been certified and voting has begun, no changes can be made to the ballot. Early voting began for the primary on January 14th.
Macon County Clerk Josh Tanner says the cost of a Consolidated Primary can run between $30,000 and $60,000. Costs include Election judges, equipment, and delivery. It’s a large sum considering the last Consolidated Primary in 2011 garnered a total of 2711 votes.
Macon County Clerk Josh Tanner said that Chapple’s name will still appear on the February 23, 2021 Consolidated Primary ballot. A notice will be placed in the polling place alerting voters to the fact that Chapple has withdrawn from the February 23, 2021 Consolidated Primary election.
The Consolidated General Election will take place on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 for three available seats on the Decatur City Council.
