Published in the May 24, 2016 edition.

WAKEFIELD — For a Special Election some claimed the town didn’t need, it certainly is drawing a crowd.

Yesterday, a seventh candidate emerged for a vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen when Shaun S. Margerison, 171 Salem St., chairman of the town’s Capital Planning Committee, took out nomination papers.

The Special Election will be held July 19.

The seat is up for election again next spring.

Margerison joins School Committeeman Christopher J. Callanan of Salem Street, Veterans Advisory Board member Daniel L. Benjamin Jr. of Foster Street, former Selectman Phyllis J. Hull of Indian Hill, Nathaniel David Gayman of Charles Street, Alyson G. Houghton of Morgan Avenue and Mehreen N. Butt of Main Street in the current field of hopefuls.

The vacancy on the Board of Selectmen has existed since Betsy Sheeran was elected Town Clerk on April 26.

Former Selectman Hull petitioned the selectmen to hold a Special Election. They voted to do so at their May 9 meeting.

Hull came armed with over 200 signatures. At least two selectmen, Paul DiNocco and Tony Longo, pleaded with her to withdraw her request and at least wait for the state primary in September. She refused, arguing the sooner the Board of Selectmen is back to its full seven members, the better.

There is still time for those interested in running for the seat to do so.

Here are some key Special Election dates.

• Thursday, May 26 – Last day to obtain nomination papers. Town Clerk’s Office open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Tuesday May 31 – Last day to submit nomination papers to registrars of voters for certification. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that 50 valid signatures and addresses of registered Wakefield voters are required.

• Tuesday, June 14 – Last day to file nomination papers with Town Clerk. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Thursday, June 16 – Last day to object to, or withdraw nomination papers. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 19 – SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 29 – Town Clerk’s Office, Town Hall, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.