LAWRENCE COUNTY — Voter turnout in Lawrence County reached 40.02% for this election, marking a slight increase over the previous election’s turnout of 39.01%, according to Lawrence County Clerk Amy Voorhies.
Despite the upward trend, Voorhies emphasized that election officials ultimately strive for complete community participation. “During the presidential election of 2024, the turnout was 61.76%,” Voorhies noted, adding that turnout traditionally peaks during presidential election cycles, but the overarching goal remains 100% voter participation across all elections.
One notable challenge observed during this election cycle involved new Lawrence County residents who had not yet updated their voter registration to reflect their current address.
To prevent similar issues in future elections, Voorhies advised voters to review and update their records promptly. “Starting in December, people need to make sure their registrations are updated,” Voorhies explained that residents can easily update their information by calling the clerk’s office, visiting in person, or completing the process online.
Unofficial election results from the November 3, 2026, general election show strong Republican turnout across Lawrence County, with GOP candidates sweeping countywide offices, judicial seats, and regional legislative contests.
Federal and State Contests
In the race for U.S. House District 9, Republican incumbent Erin Houchin carried the county decisively, receiving 8,402 votes (66.13%) against Democratic challenger Brad A. Meyer’s 3,909 votes (30.76%) and Libertarian Tonya L. Hudson’s 388 votes (3.05%).
For State Representative District 65, Republican Chris D. May secured the county with 6,777 votes (54.77%), outpacing Independent candidate Sean S. Steele, who earned 5,596 votes (45.23%).
Statewide Republican candidates also performed strongly among Lawrence County voters:
- Secretary of State: Max Engling (R) led local balloting with 7,561 votes (59.87%), followed by Beau Bayh (D) with 4,415 votes (34.96%), Greg Ballard (LIN) with 324 votes (2.57%), and Lauri A. Shillings (L) with 321 votes (2.54%).
- State Comptroller/Auditor: Elise Nieshalla (R) earned 8,016 votes (64.42%) over Jessica Bailey (D) with 3,936 votes (31.63%) and John Schick (L) with 492 votes (3.95%).
- Treasurer of State: Daniel Elliott (R) captured 8,525 votes (69.15%) over Coumba Kebe (D) with 3,804 votes (30.85%).
Statewide Public Questions and Judicial Retention
Lawrence County voters overwhelmingly approved both constitutional public questions:
- Right to Bail Question: Passed locally with 7,406 “Yes” votes (65.01%) to 3,986 “No” votes (34.99%).
- Judge Residence Question: Passed locally with 7,239 “Yes” votes (63.56%) to 4,150 “No” votes (36.44%).
Voters also approved retaining Court of Appeals Judges Mary DeBoer (72.37% Yes) and Paul Felix (71.30% Yes), as well as Indiana Tax Court Judge McAdam (72.83% Yes).
Unopposed County Leaders and School Board Contests
Several Republican incumbent county officials ran unopposed and secured re-election, including 81st Circuit Court Judge Nathan G. Nikirk (10,203 votes), Superior Court No. 2 Judge Robert (Bob) Cline (9,926 votes), Prosecuting Attorney Samuel C. Arp II (9,619 votes), County Sheriff Greg Day (10,119 votes), and County Assessor April Stapp Collins (9,791 votes). Rick Butterfield won County Commissioner District 1 with 9,673 votes.
In contested local school board races:
- North Lawrence Community School Board (District 5): Zachary (Zac) Crane defeated Barbara Miller, winning 4,792 votes (63.96%) to Miller’s 2,700 votes (36.04%). Candidates Carson Boady (District 2) and Scott King (District 3) ran unopposed.
- Mitchell Community School Board (District 2): In a three-way race for two open seats, Krystal Shetler received 1,613 votes (40.87%), and Danny E. Reynolds received 1,239 votes (31.39%), followed by Tim Stillions with 1,095 votes (27.74%).
