The Town of Whitmire has opened its books for citizens interested in running for mayor and town council positions.

The filing period began Monday and will last until Friday, July 18 at noon.

Citizens living within the town limits who have never been convicted of a felony may file for candidacy in the clerk's office at Town Hall.

After the State Ethics Commission clears potential candidates, names are listed on the county ballot for the Nov. 4 election. The race is a nonpartisan election and the top six candidates with the most votes win seats.

So far, two potential candidates have filed: Dwight Lane for a council position and Cody Owens for mayor.

Current council members Carol Thomas and Michael Thomas both say they will not seek reelection.

Michael Thomas recently won the Republican nomination for the coroner seat at the July 1 primary, and says he wants to focus his time on the coroners race.

“I've done my eight years on council and enjoyed it,” he said, “but while I'm trying to seek another office, I think all my concern should be towards it and not both of them at the same time.”

Michael Thomas will face Democrat Craig Newton in the Nov. 4 general election and is hopeful about the outcome.

“I think that if I can get the support of Newberry County that I had during the primary,” he said, “I'll be doing pretty good.”