Mingo County voters head to the polls May 13 with a slate of positions up for grabs after a federal corruption investigation cost four office holders their jobs.
The county’s circuit judge, prosecutor, chief magistrate and a county commissioner resigned following their convictions over the past nine months. The Democratic primary also will choose a new sheriff one year after Eugene Crum was fatally shot.
Incumbent county commissioner Greg “Hootie” Smith says the primary gives voters the chance to remove a black cloud that’s been over Mingo County for the past year.
Circuit judge candidate Teresa McCune calls it “probably the most important” election in county history.
No Republican candidates filed for the offices involving the convicted former officials, meaning the Democratic primary winners will run unopposed in November.