Would-be candidates in a special election for Lincoln County circuit clerk were scrambling Friday afternoon to collect needed signatures just hours before the filing deadline after an error by the circuit clerk’s office was uncovered.

     State law requires candidates in a special election to submit a petition signed by 50 registered voters within the county, said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

     However, none of the nine people who announced their intention to seek the circuit clerk’s office had turned signatures in prior to Friday. Instead, the circuit clerk’s office had collected a $15 party qualifying fee as would be required in a normally scheduled county election.

     Hosemann notified interim Circuit Clerk Sherry Jordan late Friday morning to inform her of the misstep after his office became aware of it.

     Jordan took responsibility for the error when contacted Friday.

     “It was an oversight,” she said. “I feel really bad about it.”

     Jordan said she should have noted the requirements for a special election on the secretary of state’s website, but had failed to do so.     

     All nine prospective candidates had been contacted about the error by early Friday afternoon, Jordan said.

     Dustin Bairfield had collected 96 signatures and Janie Wallace Sisco had 66 signatures ready, Jordan said. Both have turned in their petitions.

     Except for Lenard King, all other candidates had personally been to the clerk’s office and picked up the required signature sheets. King reported he would be out of town, Jordan said.

     The qualifying deadline for the special election is 5 p.m. Friday. Hosemann said the time remaining before the deadline should be sufficient for signature collection.

     “I’m just hoping and praying they all get it in,” Jordan said.

     The special election is scheduled for Nov. 6 to fill the unexpired term of Terry Lynn Watkins, who resigned earlier this year.