While the November election is still months away, incumbent Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop is unopposed and will receive a second term. Likewise, clerk-treasurer Luann Welmer, who is also unopposed, will receive a third term that begins in January.
Republican, Democrat and Libertarian party leaders had until noon Wednesday to fill vacancies on the Nov. 5 municipal election ballot.
When that deadline arrived, no additional names had been submitted, Bartholomew County Chief Deputy Clerk Dustin Renner said.
However, voters in Columbus will have more ballot choices this November than they’ve seen in a number of years.
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Every candidate running for Columbus City Council is facing competition. That includes five that represent specific districts, as well as two who were elected at-large, Bartholomew County Elections Supervisor Shari Lentz said.
“Both parties have done a great job in recruiting strong council candidates, and deserve to be commended,” Lentz said.
Lentz said she’s hopeful there will be enough interest among Columbus residents in the fall election that voter turnout exceeds the disappointing 14% from the May primary.
While Republicans have dominated state and county elections in Bartholomew County since 2010, two Democrats won close victories during the 2015 municipal election.
Elaine Wagner narrowly defeated Republican Ryan Brand to win her first term as District 2 council member, while her fellow Democrat, Tom Dell, received enough votes to edge out GOP member Kenny Whipker to win one of the at-large seats.
Bartholomew County Democratic chairman Bob Hyatt said repeatedly he did not anticipate finding an opponent to run against Lienhoop.
“Generally, Democrats are satisfied with his job performance,” Hyatt said during a December 2018 interview.
Candidates have until noon July 15 to voluntarily withdraw from the municipal election ballot.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 municipal general election is Oct. 7.
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District 1
Dascal Bunch (R)*
Jerone B. Wood (D)
Michael Kinder (I)
District 2
Jim Hartsook (R)
Elaine Wagner (D)*
District 3
David Bush (R)*
Katea Ravega (D)
District 4
Frank Miller (R)*
Michael Schoumacher (D)
District 5
Tim Shuffett (R)*
Ross Thomas (D)
At-Large (Choose two)
Laurie Booher (R)*
Josh Burnett (R)
Tom Dell (D)*
Grace Kestler (D)
* indicates incumbent
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