Parties fill vacancies on November ballot

The last of the local election filings ended at noon yesterday and the slate is set for the November elections in Bartholomew County.

Political parties had until noon Monday to fill vacancies on the ballot.

According to the Bartholomew County voter registration office, several candidates have been added to local races since the primaries, making for contested races for some previously uncontested races.

Those who will have no opponent this fall include Republican incumbents, Superior Court 2 Judge Jon Rohde, Prosecutor Lindsey Holden, Sheriff Chris Lane and County Assessor Ginny Whipple.

Incumbents facing contested races will include county clerk where Republican incumbent Shari Lentz will face Democrat Quisha Jackson. Lula Young had originally filed to run as a Democrat for that seat but since withdrew. County Commissioner incumbent Carl Lienhoop, a Republican, will face Democrat Grant Hale.

On the county council, incumbent Republican Greg Patterson will face Democrat Lisa Crane for District 1, incumbent Republican Leah Beyer will face Democrat Zack Patchett in District 2 and incumbent Republican Mark Gorbett will face Democrat Janae Garner-Kelly in District 3. Republican County Treasurer Barb Hackman is running for the County Council District 4 seat against Democrat Michelle Carr.

In races without an incumbent, for county auditor Republican Vickie E. Michael will face Democrat Kimberly Wadholm, for county recorder Republican Debra Settle will face Democrat Nancy Merbitz, and Republican Sandy Beatty will face Democrat Elizabeth Cleland for county treasurer.