PICKENS COUNTY — Anyone qualified and interested in running for county Veterans Affairs Officer can start signing up to run for the office next Monday.

Candidate filings to run in the special election to fill the unexpired term of Lt. Col. Rick Simmons will be open Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 17 during normal business hours at the Pickens County Registration and Elections office.

A special advisory election to fill the office will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, according to Rodney Allen, director of Registration and Elections.

Candidates must have served honorably in the military, said Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, and those voting in the special advisory election must also have served.

Martin said the election will be advisory and non-binding because the county legislative delegation must actually appoint Simmons’ replacement.

However, he said the delegation will appoint the person who wins the election.

Those who would like to run for the office must pay a $209.39 filing fee, present proof of being a veteran with honorable separation, and proof of residency in Pickens County, Allen said.

“If only one candidate files, no advisory election will be held, and the filing fee will be refunded,” he said.

Simmons resigned from his position, effective Tuesday, to return to full-time active duty in the U.S. Army.

His replacement will serve in a part-time capacity.

Anyone interested in running, or with questions about the election, can contact Registration and Elections by visiting the office at 222 McDaniel Ave., Pickens, by e-mail at staceyf@co.pickens.sc.us, or by calling 89805948.