Poplar Bluff filing mistake corrected

Poplar Bluff city officials say an error occurred Tuesday, on the first day of filing for city offices.

The terms are up for Mayor Robert Smith, the Ward 5 representative, and council members at-large Steve Davis and Ron Black.

Filings for incumbents Smith and Davis were taken shortly after the city clerk’s office opened at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, city clerk Nevada Young reported. The filing time announced in election notices prior to Tuesday was 7:30 a.m.

State statute says filing should not open until 8 a.m., according to officials.

Candidate Rob Duckett, who filed after Smith and Davis, brought the error to the city’s attention, Young said.

“I appreciate Mr. Duckett for bringing it to my attiention. Both incumbents were notified and have re-filed as of this (Friday) morning and are compliant with election law,” Young said. “When notified of my error, their first concern was being compliant with election law.

“This is my error and has no reflection on the candidates.”

Filing will continue through Jan. 21 for the April 7 election. Each new term will be for three years.