ALTUS - A race has developed for the Feb. 13, 2007, Altus Board election, but one candidate is not eligible to take the seat if elected.

Debora J. Phillips, Nancy Cox and Adolph Abila all filed for the Office Number 2 post vacated by Phil Marcha, but it wasn't until all names were put on the ballot for the race was it noticed that Avilla didn't live in district.

“He lives in Altus, but he lives on N. Crain,” said Altus School Superintendent Bob Drury. “The area for which the seat is to fill ends at east of Main Street.”

The Jackson County Election Office said that they take candidate's word that they are eligible for the positions they file for, and that their office had faxed a list of candidates to the School Board. The Board said that they did not receive the list, and that the contest period had passed before they were made aware that Abila did not live within the district.

“Voters just need to be aware of the situation when voting so that their vote counts the way they want it to,” said Drury.