West Virginia’s candidate filing season has opened, meaning potential politico’s can register to run for public office. As of Wednesday afternoon, only incumbent Democratic delegates John Doyle, Tiffany Lawrence and Terry Walker had filed to run in Jefferson County’s three legislative districts.

The filing period started on Jan. 11 and runs to midnight on Jan. 30. The Secretary of State’s office will be open until the deadline on the last day to assist any last second filers. Candidates should check with their county clerk’s office to find out their hours for that day.

New this year is the requirement for all candidates in House of Delegates and State Senate races to register with the Secretary of State’s Office. Previously, only candidates whose districts covered more than one county had to file with the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State’s Office is prepared to assist candidates who wish to file their paperwork Monday morning at the State Capitol. The Elections Division staff will be available to answer any questions candidates may have.

Candidates can also fill out a certificate of announcement at their county clerk’s office or download it and print it from the Secretary of State’s website. Those must be postmarked by midnight on Jan. 30.

More information about important dates for candidates to remember is available on the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.wvsos.com. Candidates can find out when their campaign finance reports are due, when county clerks will do a random drawing for ballot position, and the deadline for a candidate to have their name removed from the ballot if they decide not to run.

“We have turned our conference room into a place completely dedicated to helping candidates file their paperwork,” Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said. “Our Elections Division will be there to answer questions and help candidates make sure they’ve dotted their I’s and crossed their T’s. We want to make this process as easy as possible, so the candidates can focus on the issues facing the citizens of West Virginia.”

Starting Monday, voters can see a complete list of registered candidates on the Secretary of State’s webpage by clicking on the banner at the top of the page. The list of candidates will be updated in real time.