The race is on for Douglas County Commission.

Marguerite Ermeling’s name will appear alongside that of incumbent Commissioner Jere McElhaney’s on ballots for the Nov. 2 general election.

The Douglas County Clerk’s Office has certified 800 of the more than 1,600 signatures Ermeling submitted last week to elections officials. The total exceeds the 767 she needed — from registered voters living in the 3rd Commission District, which covers much of west Lawrence and western Douglas County — to qualify.

Ermeling, a veterinarian and owner of Gentle Care Animal Hospital in Lawrence, is running as an independent. This is her first campaign for public office.

McElhaney, a Republican and owner of McElhaney Fence Builders in North Lawrence, is seeking another four-year term as commissioner. He was unopposed in last week’s Republican primary.

Commissioner Bob Johnson remains unopposed in the general election. He is a Republican who represents the 2nd District, which covers North Lawrence, much of southeast Lawrence and eastern Douglas County.

McElhaney had been raising money to finance his campaign, just in case Ermeling’s candidacy became official. As of July 26, McElhaney had collected $1,370 in contributions from a handful of supporters, including $500 from Realtor Cheri Drake and $250 from attorney Chris Miller.

Ermeling, meanwhile, had collected $185 as of July 26, the deadline for campaign-finance reports leading up to the primary.