Senior voters meet candidates for Harrison County Sheriff

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — With early voting in West Virginia set to begin on Wednesday, the Harrison County Senior Center hosted an event Tuesday evening that let residents get a better idea of the candidates running for sheriff.

Vice President of the Harrison County Senior Center Board of Directors, Bill O’Field said they normally hold the event ahead of the general election, but since the only sheriff candidates are Republican, they chose to move the meet and greet to April.

“More than likely, the person who wins this primary will go on to be our sheriff,” O’Field explained.

He said that this Meet and Greet event is a part of their Voter Education Program, which focuses on helping elderly members of the community to be informed voters. Bringing the candidates into the senior center makes things a little easier for residents who may have mobility issues so that they get a chance to speak with them.

All six of the candidates on the ballot were given six minutes to present their campaign to attendees, with a three minute closing statement.

“And we don’t allow any arguing or debating one another, because seniors don’t like all that negativity,” O’Field added.

The event was live streamed on Facebook as it was happening to make the event accessible to anyone who may not be able to make it. There were also tables set up for candidates to leave campaign literature.

“This is an opportunity for us to be educated,” said O’Field. “Be ready because tomorrow, early voting starts—tomorrow, May 1.”

There was a social beginning at 5:30 p.m. to kick-off the event, where community members could mingle one-on-one with the candidates and ask them questions. The official program began shortly after at 6 p.m.

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