Qualifying for nonpartisan races in Effingham County got off to a fast start Monday.

Beth Mosley Rahn, a local realtor, and probate court chief clerk Judy Suhor filed their qualifying papers for the probate judge position. Longtime probate judge Frances Seckinger has retired.

Richard Rafter, a local attorney, has said he intends to run for the position but had not qualified as of 3:15 Monday afternoon.

Preston Exley has decided to retire as chief magistrate, leaving that seat vacant once his term ends. Richard S. Smith qualified Monday to run for magistrate. Scott Hinson announced his intention to run but has not qualified yet.

There are three board of education seats up for election this year. District 3 incumbent Lamar Allen qualified to run again and Vickie Decker qualified to run for the District 5 seat.

Vera Jones, the current District 5 board member and Decker’s sister, is not seeking re-election because she is moving out of the district she represents. Jones, who is also the chairperson of the board of education, will continue to live in Effingham County.

Troy Alford, the District 2 incumbent, has said he will seek re-election but had not qualified as of Monday afternoon.
Qualifying for the non-partisan races ends Friday at noon.

The nonpartisan races will be on the ballot for the general election Nov. 4.