LAWRENCE CO. — The clock is ticking for local political hopefuls. Prospective candidates are reminded that the deadline to file a declaration of candidacy for the 2026 primary nomination is Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon local time.
With the deadline just days away, the Lawrence County Clerk’s office is preparing for the final rush of filings. This cutoff is critical for anyone seeking a spot on a major party ticket for the upcoming spring primary.
As the primary field takes shape, election officials are also encouraging residents to ensure their voter registration status is current. To participate in the democratic process this spring, Lawrence County residents should keep the following key dates in mind:
- Voter Registration Deadline: The final day to register to vote for the primary is April 6, 2026. Residents can register in person at the Lawrence County Voter Registration office or online through the state’s voter portal.
- Early Voting Begins: For voters who wish to cast their ballots ahead of time, early in-person voting will open at the Lawrence County Clerk’s office starting April 7, 2026.
- Primary Election Day: The polls will officially be open on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.
The upcoming weeks will be a pivotal period for the community as candidates finalize their platforms and voters prepare to decide the direction of local leadership.
For more information on filing or registration, residents can contact the Lawrence County Clerk’s Office at 812-277-2036 or visit the Voter Registration office located at 918 16th Street in Bedford.
Below is the comprehensive list of candidates who have filed as of January 28, 2026:
Federal and State Representation
- US Representative, Ninth District: Erin Houchin (Republican), Brad A. Meyer (Democratic), and Keil L. Roark (Democratic).
- State Representative, District 065: Chris D. May (Republican).
County Government
- Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court, 81st Judicial Circuit: Nathan G. Nikirk (Republican).
- Judge of the Lawrence Superior Court, No. 2: Robert (Bob) Cline (Republican).
- Prosecuting Attorney of Lawrence County, 81st Judicial Circuit: Samuel C. Arp, II (Republican).
- Lawrence County Sheriff: Greg Day (Republican).
- Lawrence County Assessor: April Stapp Collins (Republican).
- Lawrence County Commissioner, District 1: Candidates include Tim Turpin (Republican), Jason Branham (Republican), Rick Butterfield (Republican), Bob Evans (Republican), and Gary Koontz (Republican).
- Lawrence County Council:
- District 1: Amy Redman (Republican), Joe Haworth (Republican)
- District 2: Chester Lee Batman (Republican), Phil Inman (Republican), and Brian Skillman (Republican).
- District 3: David Holmes (Republican) and Jeffrey Lytton (Republican)
- District 4: Larry Arnold (Republican) and Brian Prince (Republican)
Township Trustees
- Bono Township: Michelle L. Porter
- Guthrie Township: Jeffrey H. Combs (Republican)
- Indian Creek Township: Gary K. Scherschel (Republican)
- Marion Township: Shannon M. Lagle (Republican)
- Marshall Township: Christopher D. Noel (Republican)
- Perry Township: Carla Bomgardner (Republican)
- Pleasant Run Township: James Edsel Ford (Republican)
- Shawswick Township: Millard Jones (Republican)
- Spice Valley Township: Michelle D. Cornett (Republican)
Township Board Members
- Bono Township: Adam Norman (Republican), Jon J. Malott (Republican), Vickie “Dusty” Tolbert (Republican)
- Guthrie Township: Bretta Myers (Republican), Tyler Thompson (Republican)
- Indian Creek Township: Diana Anderson (Republican), Bruce Reeves (Republican), Justin Leach (Republican)
- Marion Township: Lucinda Fletcher (Republican), LaToya L. Lamm (Republican), and Henry Shetler (Republican)
- Marshall Township: Hunter Smith (Republican), Kenton James Stultz Pardue (Republican) and Joseph Stettenbenz (Republican)
- Perry Township: Alexandra Edwards (Republican), Tammy Spoonmore (Republican), and Tyson Fish (Republican)
- Pleasant Run Township: Crystal A. Dooley (Republican), Paul Ford (Republican), Michael S. Nicholson (Republican), and Corbin McCullough (Republican)
- Shawswick Township: Jennie Edwards (Republican), Amy Kleber (Republican), Linda Sue Randolph (Republican), Andrew J. Rusch (Republican), and Julie Morris (Democratic)
- Spice Valley Township: David A. Kissel (Republican), Tony Lynch (Republican), Philip M. Smith (Republican)
Convention Delegates
- Starla R. Pannell (Democrat) At-Large
- Julie Morris (Democrat) At-Large
- Matthew T. Ray (Democrat) At-Large
- Brad Bough (Republican) District 1
- Chase Cummings (Republican) District 1
- Alexandra Edwards (Republican) District 1
- Amy Voorhies (Republican) District 1
- LaToya L. Lamm (Republican) District 2
- Robert Hall (Republican) District 2
- Henry Shetler (Republican) District 2
- Julie J. Hewetson (Republican) District 3
- Andrew J. Rusch (Republican) District 3
- Nathan Watson (Republican) District 3
- Sherri Childers (Democrat) At-Large
- Rowena Cross-Najafi (Democrat) At-Large
- Karin Lauderback (Democrat) At-Large
