Mike Wolanin | The Republic Andrea Orben votes at Donner Center on Election Day in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.
It was a low turnout on the first day of early primary voting in Bartholomew County on Tuesday.
When Donner Center opened its doors at 8 a.m. Tuesday, only one person was waiting to cast his ballot, according to Voter Registration and Elections Supervisor Taylor Seegraves.
Over the next four hours, a total of 16 individuals showed up at Donner to vote in the primary.
“For a presidential election, that’s a little low for the first day,’ Seegraves said. “But usually, the first few days are always lower. After the second week, it will start to spike a little more. And the last week of early voting (April 29-May 6) is usually the highest.”
During interviews of Bartholomew County voters waiting in line to cast their ballots during the 2020 general election, the vast majority said they were primarily interested in the presidential race.
But Republican and Democratic leaders emphasize the other federal, state and local offices have the greatest impact on the lives of Hoosiers.
This year, local voters in Bartholomew County will be voting for U.S. Senator, Indiana governor, congressman, state representative, county commissioner and county council, among others. Hope, Hartsville and Jonesville residents will be voting for town council members in their respective communities.
Although she ended her candidacy immediately after the Super Tuesday primaries, former South Carolina Gov. and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley’s name is on the Republican primary ballot, along with presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. State election officials say Haley’s campaign barely got enough signatures to have her name on the May 7 ballot.
One name you won’t see on the primary ballot is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is running for president as an independent.
There are several contested primaries this year on the Republican ballot.
Seven Republicans — Jamison Carrier, Darin Childress, Bill Frazier, John Jacob, Jeff Raatz, Jefferson Shreve and Mike Speedy — are seeking the GOP nomination for Indiana’s 6th Congressional District after three-term incumbent Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind., opted against seeking reelection.
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., is facing a primary challenge from Hugh Doty.
Six Republicans are seeking their party’s nomination for Indiana governor, including current Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Sen. Mike Braun, as well as Brad Chambers, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill and Jamie Reitenour.
Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, is facing a challenge from Edward K. Comstock II for the GOP nomination for Indiana House District 73.
At the local level, Bartholomew County Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz is seeking an eighth term in office. He is being challenged by Rick Miller for the GOP nomination for Bartholomew County Commissioner District 1.
Four Republicans — Michael R. Bell, Kim Bennett, John Prohaska and Marcus Daniel Speer — are seeking their party’s nomination for three Bartholomew County Council at-large seats.
There also are some competitive races on the Democratic ballot.
Marc Carmichael and Valerie McCray are seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. D. Liam Dorris and Tim Peck are seeking their party’s nomination for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District.
Jennifer G. McCormick also is seeking the Democratic nomination for Indiana governor.
