Switzerland County voters will go to the polls in just over three weeks for this year’s general election; and Switzerland County clerk Ginger Peters says that voters may now come into the clerk’s office and vote absentee.
The biggest change in the voting process in the May primary was that anyone coming to the polls to vote had to show a photo ID before they could vote. It’s something that has been a matter of controversy all over the state since it was passed and implemented in May, and Ginger Peters says that it is important that voters have such an ID on election day in order to speed up the voting process.
Those voters who are voting absentee in the county clerk’s office must also show a photo ID before voting; but those voting absentee by mail or who are using the traveling board to vote do not need to show an ID.
Ginger Peters said that those wanting to vote by absentee ballot in the county clerk’s office may do so until noon on Monday, November 6th, at noon – the day before the general election takes place. The clerk’s office is open for voting on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon; and again from 1-3:30 p.m. On Thursdays, voters may cast their ballots from 8 a.m. until noon.
Voters may also come to the clerk’s office on two Saturdays – October 28th and November 4th – and vote from 8 a.m. until noon.
Those voters who want to vote absentee by mail need to get an application from the clerk’s office and have the completed application back in the clerk’s office by midnight on Monday, October 30th.
As for the traveling board, applications that are hand delivered to the clerk’s office must be there by noon on Monday, November 6th. People wanting to vote by traveling board who wish to mail in their application, it must be received in the clerk’s office before midnight on Monday, October 30th.
Any applications received after the deadlines will not be allowed by the election board.
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The polling places around the county in the general election are the same as in the primary, and voters need to be aware of where they need to go to vote on election day.
Voters in the Craig I precinct, which used to vote at the Riverview Baptist Church; will now vote at the 4-H Community Building, along with voters in Jefferson I and Jefferson II precincts.
The East Enterprise firehouse will also be a busy place on election day, as voters in Cotton I, Cotton II, and Jefferson III precincts will all vote there.
The Moorefield firehouse will also be the voting location for voters in Pleasant I, Pleasant II, and Craig II precincts.
Voters living in the Posey I precinct will vote at the Patriot Town Hall; while Posey II voters will cast their ballots at the Posey Township firehouse.
York Township voters will vote at the Florence station of the East Enterprise Volunteer Fire Department.
Again for the general election, voters will have their choice of using the optical scan or touch screen voting methods, with machines set up at all polling places. Sample ballots are also now available, and anyone wishing to see a sample ballot may pick one up in the clerk’s office.
Anyone having any questions should contact the Switzerland County Clerk’s office at 427-3175.
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On the national level, Indiana Senator Richard Lugar is the clear favorite for reelection, as the Republican is only challenged by Libertarian candidate Steve Osborn. Switzerland County will also be at the center of one of the most hotly-contested House of Representative races, as Republican Mike Sodrel looks to hold on to his seat while being challenged by former congressman Democrat Baron Hill. Libertarian Eric Schansberg is also on the ballot.
Statewide: Republican Todd Rokita looks to be reelected while running against Democrat Joe Pearson and Libertarian Mike Kole for Secretary of State; Incumbent Republican Tim Berry seeks another term as State Auditor against Democrat Judy Anderson; and race for State Treasurer is between Republican Richard Mourdock and Democrat Michael Griffin.
State Senator Jim Lewis, a Democrat who has long represented this area; is being challenged for his seat by Republican Floyd Coates; and in the State Representative District 68 race, incumbent Democrat Bob Bischoff is facing Republican Bill Ullrich.
In the race for Circuit Court Judge in the 5th Circuit, Democrat incumbent Ted Todd is facing Republican Stephen Tesmer; and Democrat Chad Lewis will be the new prosecuting attorney in the 5th circuit, as he has no opposition in the election.
Here in Switzerland County: Democrat incumbent county clerk Ginger Peters has no opposition for reelection; and Democrat Rachel Bladen is unopposed in the County Auditor’s race. Democrat County Assessor Joan Armstrong is also unopposed; as is County Sheriff Nathan Hughes.
The District 3 County Commissioner seat is up for election, and incumbent Republican K.C. Banta is running against Democratic challenger Evelina Brown.
The four seats on the County Council that are held by District are up for election this fall.
In District One, Democrat Tom Conroy faces Republican Eric Cole; in District Two, Democrat Mike Jones is unopposed; in District Three Republican incumbent Terry Hall is facing Democrat George Adams; and in District Four Democrat incumbent Donnie Covington is unopposed.
All of the Township Trustee positions are up for election, and in Craig Township, incumbent Democrat Tony Jackson is unopposed; in Cotton Township incumbent Democrat Barbara Bowling is unopposed; in Jefferson Township Democrat Ginny Leap is facing Republican Lowell Wayne Sullivan; in Pleasant Township Republican Andy Jessup is unopposed; in Posey Township incumbent Republican Bob Jackman is opposed by Democrat Chris See; and in York Township, Democrat incumbent Kip Hatton is opposed by Republican Beverly Stoops.
This fall will also see three seats on the Switzerland County School Board up for election.
In Craig Township, Kenny Briggs and Virgil McKay are opposing each other for the seat being vacated by the retiring Jack Ranz; in Jefferson Township Andy Truitt is unopposed; and in Posey Township, incumbent Laurice See is being challenged by Angie Satterfield and Vernon Waltz.
For a complete list of this year’s candidates, see the legal public notice in today’s classified section.