08/05/07 — Armstrong won't be on Nov. ballot

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Armstrong won't be on Nov. ballot

By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on August 5, 2007 2:00 AM

The decision of Jerry C. Armstrong to withdraw his name from the Mount Olive District 1 Commissioner's race will show up on the November ballot after all, said county elections director Gary Sims Friday.

Getting word from the state Board of Elections on Thursday, he explained that because ballot production had not begun yet for Mount Olive, the change can be made.

"Because of other circumstances, the state was on hold on production of the ballots, so they said they would be able to do it," Sims said.

Usually, he explained, the only way Armstrong's name could be taken off the ballot after the filing period closed was if he died. In most cases when a candidate withdraws, it's his or her responsibility to let people know he or she is no longer seeking the seat.

"This is great news for this office and Mr. Armstrong, since it will accurately reflect his wishes and it will avoid any voter confusion at the polls for that contest," Sims said.

Armstrong said he was pulling out of the race because the other two candidates running were already focused on the goals he wanted to accomplish.