Dec. 18 is the deadline for local entities to put options and levies on the March 2, 2004, primary ballot.

"This would be any local option for liquor control, school levies, fire department levies, operating expenses levies - any levy," said

Ella Lawless, deputy director of the Lawrence County Board of Elections.

Ohio law requires issues for an election to be filed with the local board of elections office at least 75 days before the election, Lawless said.

In order for an issue to be placed on the ballot, the township trustees in the affected area must pass a resolution in favor of putting the matter before the voters. A new law that went into effect in March also requires the county auditor's office to file a certification with the board of elections stating the total tax valuation of the issue and the millage required to generate a specific amount of revenue.

To date, no options for the March ballot have been filed, but Lawless expects some will be filed in the near future.

Candidates for office, meanwhile, have until Jan. 2 , 2004, to file their papers for candidacy.