Early voting underway in Putnam County

The primary election may not be until May 7, but early voting kicks off today across Putnam County. 

Voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from today until April 26 on the second floor of the Putnam County Courthouse. There will be voting taking place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 and May 4, both at the Bainbridge Community Center and the Courthouse. Early voting will also take place April 29 until May 3 at the Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then from 8 a.m. until noon on May 6. 

When it comes to local races, Republican voters will have choices in the primary in local races. 

Four candidates are vying for the nomination for District 1 Putnam County Commissioner. Those running are Andy T. Beck, Brad Buck Buchanan, David Fuhrman and Don B. Hatfield.

At the County Council level, Republican voters will select three candidates in the primary, while there are five candidates on the ballot. Those running are Amanda Brown, Daryn Clifford, Chad Colvin, Kerry L. Williams and incumbent Stephanie Summitt-Campbell. 

Putnam County Commissioner for District 3 Tom Helmer, Putnam County Auditor Kristina Berish, Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner and Putnam County Treasurer Karrie Minor are all running unopposed in the Republican primary.

There are no Democrats running for county office in May. 

The contested races are not just exclusive to Putnam County, as Congressman Jim Baird, of Greencastle, is facing challengers looking to primary the incumbent Republican. Running are Charles Bookwalter, of Thorntown, Jon Piper, of Camby, and Trent Lester, of Lafayette. 

Democrats Rimpi Girn, of Plainfield, and Derrick Holder, of Martinsville, will square off in the Democratic primary.

Republicans will also have a voice in deciding who will represent their party to fill Senate District 24's seat following the retirement of incumbent John Crane. Avon residents Brett Clark and Anne Engelhardt will square off in the primary with the winner facing former Greencastle Common Council member and Demorcat Veronica Pejril in November. 

Another Statehouse race to watch is that of Senate District 37, as Republican Rod Bray is facing a challenge from Jay Hart. The winner will face Democrat Kimberly Schofield in November.