The turnout to file candidacy for Bartholomew County offices was higher than usual Wednesday, county Clerk Shari Lentz said.
While some may have filed for positions like township advisory board and precinct committee members, there were a total of 17 filings during the first 50 minutes the Voter Registration office was open, Lentz said.
“That’s quite a bit more than we were expecting the first hour,” she said.
A Republican primary challenge for Bartholomew County Council District 1 is underway as Dave London turned in his papers as did Greg Patterson. The seat is currently held by Republican Scott Bonnell, who served as council president last year.
In Bartholomew County Council District 4, Jorge (George) Morales filed for re-election.
Others who made their filings official (all Republicans) were:
County Commissioner, District 2: Carl H. Lienhoop.
County Treasurer: Barbara J. Hackman
County Sheriff: Chris Lane
County Recorder: Tami L. Hines
Wayne Township Trustee: Brenda Mijares
Clerk of the Circuit Court: Shari J. Lentz
County Auditor: Pia O’Connor
Wednesday was also the first day for candidates seeking federal or state office to register at the Indiana Secretary of State’s office in Indianapolis. However, a spokeswoman for the office said the filings won’t appear online until today.
The Indianapolis office did have some candidacies filed in neighboring Jennings County. Incumbent Sheriff Kenny Freeman will seek another term, while Sarah “Janie” Abel and Tessia Salman will run for county auditor. Mandy Creech is seeking the District 2 seat on the Jennings County Council, while Tina Elis is running for the council’s third district.
All candidates who submitted their paperwork in Bartholomew and Jennings counties are Republican.
Candidates have until noon on Friday, Feb. 4 to file paperwork. Under state law, if any person is having second thoughts about running for office, they have until noon on Friday, Feb. 11 to withdraw.
The primary will be held on Tuesday, May 3, while the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 9.
