Carbon County Election officials are stressing the importance of following the rules when you are a candidate or lobbyist.

On Thursday, the election board spoke about a growing problem the election bureau is seeing in that the candidates and candidate supporters are not filing the required finance reporting forms.Commissioner William O'Gurek said that it is important those who are running for office know the laws with regard to what their responsibilities are with forms.There are about five forms regarding finances that a candidate or candidate supporter must file throughout the year - a second Friday pre-election form and a 30-day post-election report after both primary and general elections, as well as an annual financial report.These reports are required if a candidate or supporter spends more than $250 for the campaign. In addition, anyone spending money to support a candidate must also register with the election office."What we're finding is that candidates running for these offices have no idea of these responsibilities," he said, noting that candidates can face fines or even be removed from the ballot for not meeting the requirements."There are responsibilities of being a candidate and it's not just getting your name on the ballot and signing a petition, there are filing responsibilities. We are willing to help point them in the right direction."We don't make the laws, but we live by them," O'Gurek said.Lisa Dart, elections director, said that the county can answer questions, but cannot do a finance form for the candidate.She added that candidates are given books that outline the requirements as well, but more phone calls are being received with questions.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard also spoke about the political signs that pop up like wildflowers along roadways before the elections.He reminded everyone that they should be taken down in a timely manner after the election is over.In other election matters, the board approved the voter registration totals of eligible electors who may participate in the primary election on Tuesday.A total of 36,088 voters are registered with 18,234 being Democrat and 17,854 being Republican.The board also approved the appointments to fill election official vacancies at various precincts around the county.