The field widened last week as James Mills, of Scotland Neck, and Michael Hawkins, of the Littleton area, presented petitions to the county Board of Elections office last week to run as write-in candidates.
Mills presented his petition to the office on August 5. Hawkins, who unsuccessfully ran in the May primary against incumbent Clerk of Court Becky Spragins, filed his petition on August 4, board of elections Supervisor Kristin Scott confirmed this afternoon .
Their names will not appear on the ballot, Scott said, but there will be two write-in spots for supporters to enter their names.
The two candidates had to collect a minimum of 100 signatures and both turned in at least 165, according to Scott.
The addition of Hawkins and Mills as candidates means May primary winners Vernon Bryant, Rives Manning and Patrick Qualls will not only have competition from the write-in candidates, but competition from Republicans Sammy Webb and John Whichard. The top-three vote-getters will get the office.
