A three-way race for the Democratic nomination for sheriff and four contestants vying for election to three seats on the county board of education will be foremost on the May 8 ballot in Tyrrell County.

The filing deadline for most local offices was Feb. 28.

Joey Elliott, Nathan McPeak, and Kevin Sawyer filed for sheriff on the Democratic ticket to succeed the retiring Darryl Liverman, and one of them will be chosen in the May 8 primary election.

There will be no Republican candidate for sheriff in the Nov. 6 general election.

Unaffiliated candidates have until noon on May 8 to file their petitions with the county elections board for their names to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Incumbents Carlos Armstrong, Karen Clough, and Robin Dunbar filed to succeed themselves on the county board of education. Kisha D. Norman is a challenger in the at-large election on May 8. In obedience to a 1994 federal court ruling, Tyrrell voters may vote for only one of the four candidates even though three seats are to be filled. The May 8 election for board of education will be final, and the winners will begin their four-year terms in July.

Incumbent Democrat Angie Etheridge is unopposed for clerk of court on May 8, and no Republican filed for the office.

Two terms are expiring on the board of commissioners. Incumbent Nina Griswell was the only Democrat to file for the offices. Jordan Davis was the only Republican to file for commissioner.

The rest of the May 8 ballot in Tyrrell County shapes up this way:

– U.S. House of Representatives: Republicans Scott Dacey of New Bern, Walter B. Jones of Farmville, and Phil Law of Jacksonville. No Democrat filed for the congressional seat.

– N.C. Senate District 1: Democrats Steve James of Winton and Cole Phelps of Creswell; Republicans Bob Steinburg of Edenton, and Clark Twiddy of Kill Devil Hills.

– N.C. House of Representatives District 1: Democrat Ron Wesson of Windsor, and Republicans Edward Goodwin of Edenton and Candice Hunter of Hertford.

– Distict Attorney District 2: Democratic incumbent Seth Edwards of Washington. No Republican filed for DA.

The filing period for Tyrrell Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor is June 11 through July 6.