Tuesday is municipal election day across Missouri, and the Southeast Missourian will be offering voters a new feature coming Thursday with the web publication of candidate questionnaires designed to give greater coverage to the smaller towns and special purpose districts in the area.

The Southeast Missourian mailed letters to more than 90 candidates inviting them to take part in the project. The letters were sent to candidates in contested races and mailed to the addresses candidates provided to the town, school district or special purpose district when they filed for office. Shorter versions of the responses will be published in Sunday's Southeast Missourian.

In the questionnaires, candidates for all offices are asked the same three questions — what is the biggest issue facing their school district. community or other district, what makes them qualified for the office and why they think they could do a better job than their opponents.

In addition, the candidates were asked to provide basic biographical information about themselves including their occupation, whether they own a business and what offices they have held in the past.

In Tuesday's elections, voters in nine area school districts will have contested races for their school boards. In addition, voters will see contests for city and town council seats as well as elections for directors of road districts, fire districts and hospital boards.

In two Cape Girardeau County fire districts, East County Fire District and the Millersville Fire District, voters will also be asked whether they want to expand the board membership to five from the current three members. Both districts experienced difficulties in the last year that leaders hope to alleviate with a larger, more representative board.

Candidates in contested races, meaning there are more candidates on the ballot than slots to be filled, and who have not received a letter should contact the Southeast Missourian at 388-3642 or by e-mail to rkeller@semissourian.com. Candidates who call will receive a prompt reply and instructions on how to participate.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.