LAWRENCE COUNTY — School board races across Indiana will look significantly different on the ballot this November following a major shift in state election laws.
Under a newly enacted Indiana law, candidates running for local school board positions are now permitted to run under major political party banners, specifically as Republicans or Democrats. Previously, school board candidates were strictly limited to running as nonpartisan contenders. Under the new guidelines, candidates still maintain the option to run as unaffiliated, but they now hold the legal right to declare a formal party alignment if they choose to do so.
With the political landscape shifted, residents interested in shaping the educational future of Lawrence County have only a day left to formalize their campaigns. The deadline to file for open seats on both the North Lawrence Community Schools (NLCS) and Mitchell Community Schools boards is fast approaching.
Prospective candidates must submit all necessary paperwork by Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).
Available Seats and Districts
The upcoming election cycle features several critical vacancies across the county’s two major school corporations:
- North Lawrence Community Schools: A total of four seats are on the ballot. One seat is open in each of the following districts: District 1, District 2, District 3, and District 5.
- Mitchell Community Schools: A total of 2 seats are up for election, both representing District 2.
Filing Location and Rules
All candidate petitions and required legal documentation must be physically turned in to the Lawrence County Voter Registration Office, located at 918 16th Street, Suite 200, Bedford, IN 47421.
Local election officials emphasize that the noon cutoff on Thursday, June 18th, is a strict deadline, and any documentation received after the exact cutoff time will be rejected.
Citizens with questions about candidate eligibility, required forms, or the boundaries of their districts are encouraged to contact the voter registration staff directly at 812-277-2036.
