The Columbus City Council will likely set a date this evening for a special election to fill former Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem’s seat.
Karriem, who will officially be sworn in as the Mississippi District 41 Rep. today in Jackson, vacated his seat in December in order to begin his congressional term. Karriem held the city seat for six years.
City Chief Operations Officer David Armstrong said according to state law, the city must now adopt a resolution declaring the vacancy, and order a special election to be held within 30-45 days. Armstrong said the Columbus City Council will adopt the resolution this evening. The council should also set the election date. Armstrong said city officials have selected Tuesday, Feb. 16 for the election, with a runoff scheduled for March 1 if necessary.
Only Ward 5 residents will be able to vote in the election.
“Anybody qualified has to pick up a form from our city registrar, Brenda Williams,” Armstrong said. “They have to get 50 signatures from qualified electors in Ward 5.”
The election’s qualifying deadline is 5 p.m. on Jan. 26.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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