Lentz
Twice as many Columbus voters cast ballots early for today’s primary compared to the previous municipal primary, according to figures from the Bartholomew County Clerk’s Office.
As of noon Monday, a total of 1,995 people had cast ballots in person at NexusPark or the Bartholomew County Government Office Building, compared to 1,051 people who voted early in-person in the 2019 municipal primary. Early in-person voting was held at the Bartholomew County Courthouse four years ago.
Additionally, local election officials have received 261 completed absentee-by-mail ballots, up from 126 at the same point four years ago.
In total, 2,256 voters have already cast ballots in one way or another, or about 7.5% of registered voters in Columbus, up from 1,181 ballots cast at the end of the early voting period in 2019, or 4% of registered voters at the time.
Total turnout for the 2019 municipal primary was 13.7%.
Today’s municipal primary will be the first step for voters to choose the next mayor of Columbus. Current Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop is not seeking another term.
Mary Ferdon, the city’s director of administration and community development, and Milo Smith, a former Indiana state representative, are both seeking the Republican nomination for mayor. While there is currently no Democratic candidate for mayor, the party could still select a candidate for the general election by July 3 at noon.
On the Democratic side, there is a contested race for the party’s nomination for Columbus City Council District 3. Tony Hayden, Michael Kinder and current District 1 Councilman Jerone Wood are the candidates.
The winner of the Democratic nomination will face Republican Sue Norman-Chapple in the general election. Normal-Chapple is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Bartholomew County Clerk Shari Lentz said she is hopeful for a good turnout today despite having some rain in the forecast.
“Hopefully, it won’t affect turnout,” Lentz said. “…I’m hopeful that those who are planning on voting will not let a little rain or wind keep them away from the polls.”
