Interested candidates for the Hughson Recall Election now have six days left to file their application with the city clerk to claim their spot on the ballot for the Aug. 24 election.

Originally candidates had until Friday to turn in their applications but after realizing a clerical error, the city clerk has determined that the actual end date of the nomination period is 5 p.m. on June 10.

Hughson Interim City Clerk Michele Penirian Winterbottom found the mistake after reviewing the Election Code and consulting with the County Clerk’s Office. 

The nomination period is required by law to end 75 days prior to the Aug. 24 election, making the end date June 10, Winterbottom said.

So far there are six candidates that have filed their papers and have been approved for the upcoming recall election.

On the ballot for the August election voters will have the option to recall Hughson council members Thom Crowder, Doug Humphreys and Ben Manley. If voters choose to recall the council members they can then choose their successor from a list of candidates.

A recall election for Crowder, Humphreys and Manley was initiated after the three were found to be in violation of the Brown Act, Fair Political Practices and Regulations and the Hughson Municipal Code in a December 2009 finding by the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury.

Citizens for Better City Government, a group of concerned Hughson residents, spearheaded the recall election.

As of Friday, George Carr and Miguel Oseguera are running for Crowder’s position on council, which is seat one. Gary Houx and Jaramy Young are running for Humphrey’s position on council, which is seat two. Jill Ferriera Silva and Billie Gonzales are running for Manley’s position, which is seat three.

Each candidate has the option to choose which council member’s position he or she will run for if that council member is recalled, said Lee Lundrigan, Stanislaus County clerk recorder.

“It would be the candidate’s choice to run for who they want to replace,” she said.

If the council member is recalled, the winning candidate will only serve for the rest of that council member’s term, Lundrigan said.

Crowder’s term is up in November. Because the deadline to run for the November election is on Aug. 6, before the recall election begins, candidates who wish to run beyond Crowder’s term must file nomination papers for the November election soon, she said. 

“They could be running for two elections at once if they want to continue their service in office,” Lundrigan said.

Humphreys and Manley’s terms are both up in November 2012. Along with Crowder’s, Matt Beekman and Mayor Ramon Bawanan’s seats will also be on the ballot for the November election.

Those interested in running in the recall election can fill out an application and submit it to the City of Hughson located on 7018 Pine St.

To contact Maegan Martens, e-mail mmartens@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.