More municipal candidates seeking seats

DOBSON — The Republican National Convention isn’t the only political activity of interest this week: As the clock winds down toward a Friday filing deadline, the field of candidates for non-partisan municipal elections in Surry County has grown.

Based on the latest breakdown from the Surry Board of Elections in Dobson, two more candidates for town council seats in Elkin have emerged — including a sitting commissioner who is running for mayor.

William M. Gwyn filed Monday for the chief executive’s post in Elkin, now held by Sam Bishop.

Bishop so far, as of the close of business Monday, has not tossed his hat into the ring to seek re-election.

Gwyn’s commissioner seat is not affected by this year’s municipal election, since his present term doesn’t expire until 2025.

Meanwhile, Juan Alejandro Manigault previously filed to run for mayor in Elkin.

The other Elkin candidate filing in recent days is Commissioner Alvin Hayes, who did so last Thursday to seek another four-year term.

Fellow council incumbent Robert Ball Jr. filed earlier for re-election.

Public offices in the towns of Dobson and Pilot Mountain also are affected by the 2024 municipal election.

And so far, all five incumbents in both have filed for new terms, with no opposition coming forward.

They include commissioners Todd Dockery, Robin T. Beeson and Amy Whitaker in the county seat, and Dwight Atkins and Rachel Collins of the Pilot Mountain Board of Commissioners.

Time is running out for others to file for the municipal elections in November, with Friday at noon the deadline for doing so.

Candidates file at the Surry County Board of Elections office, 915 E. Atkins St. in Dobson.