DAHLONEGA, Ga. –It’s qualifying week for political hopefuls in Lumpkin County and all across Georgia. Incumbents and newcomers seeking public office must officially declare their candidacy between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 11.

Qualifying will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Friday when qualifying ends at noon. Candidates are required to bring ID and qualifying fee to the Lumpkin County Elections Office.

Lumpkin County offices up for election include, County Commission Chairman, District 1 and 2 Commissioners, Tax Commissioner, Sheriff, Surveyor, Coroner and Board of Education District 1 and 3.

Candidates for state offices such as state representative and state senate must qualify in Atlanta. Dist. 9 State Representative Kevin Tanner will seek reelection to a third term while State Senator Steve Gooch will vie for a fourth. He represents the 51st District which includes Fannin, Union, Gilmer, Lumpkin, White, Dawson and parts of Pickens and Forsyth counties.