 Election season may have wrapped up already, but for Ward 4 and Bemidji, it is just getting started. Josh Peterson has what you need to know about Bemidji's upcoming special election. Just when you thought the election was over, for some Bemidji residents, election season has just begun. Due to the recently vacated council seat by the recently sworn in Beltrami County Commissioner Reed Olson, the process to fill that empty council seat began today. As of 8 o'clock this morning, residents could file their candidacy for the Bemidji City Council Ward 4 seat. Filing dates have started. It started today, January 9th, and will run through January 23rd during the hours that city halls open. For those who are interested in filing to run in the special election, there is some criteria. On the affidavit that they, when they file, that they're a resident and they should be a resident at minimum of 30 days before the election, which is on the 14th. Even with over 1600 registered voters in Ward 4, turnout for a special election is expected to be generally low. The last time the city of Bemidji had a special election was in Ward 4 back in 2001. We want to get this moved. I think that the residents in Ward 4 deserve to have a council person in place as quickly as the rules that I have to follow will allow me. For former Ward 4 council member Reed Olson, looking back on his time on the Bemidji City Council was a great experience. By being on the council, it was a very good way to always be up to speed on different issues that are affecting the city or going through city government. As of Monday afternoon, two Ward 4 residents have filed an affidavit of candidacy. One interested in running in the special election has until Monday, January 23rd to file. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. The Bemidji Ward 4 special election will be held on Tuesday, February 14th at Bemidji City Hall. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.