Some individuals have already announced intentions to seek political office, even putting up billboards. Others are still contemplating.
While the primary election is months away, the time to start filing is approaching. According to the 2014 Indiana Election Calendar the first day to declare a candidacy is Jan. 8 with the final deadline is Feb. 7.
The 2014 elections will have federal, state, county, township and town office seats up for grabs. The May primary, which will be held on May 6, will set the slate for the general election on Nov. 4.
That general election will also include school board elections for Tippecanoe Valley, District 3 Franklin Township in Kosciusko County, District 4 in Henry Township and District 5 New Castle Township both in Fulton County; Wa-Nee Harrison, Locke and Union townships in Elkhart County; Whitko, District 4 Jackson, Monroe and Washington townships in Kosciusko County and District 5, Richland and Cleveland townships in Whitley County; Triton, District 1 in Tippecanoe Township in Marshall County, District 2, Etna Township in Kosciusko County, and District 4, Town of Bourbon in Marshall County; Wawasee, District 1 Tippecanoe Township, District 2, Turkey Creek Township and District 3, Van Buren Township; and Warsaw Community School boards. District 1, 2, 5 and 7.
County Offices
There are 13 elected positions at the county level on the ballot in May, three of which the incumbents have served their term limits.
Offices of county auditor, county recorder, and county sheriff, served by Marsha McSherry, Deborah Wright, and Rocky Goshert respectively, have all served their two-term limits and cannot seek re-election. The one other term limit office, that of prosecuting attorney for the 54th judicial district currently held by Dan Hampton, is also up for election. Hampton is eligible to seek re-election.
Other county offices, with no term limits, to be on the ballot include county assessor, held by Laurie Renier; judges of Kosciusko Superior Court 1, 2 and 3, held by Duane Huffer, James C. Jarrette and Joe V. Sutton, respectively; county commissioner southern district, held by Bob Conley; and county council districts 1, 2, 3 and 4, held by Doug Heinish, Jim Moyer, Brad Tandy and Jon Garber, respectively.
Township And Town Offices
This year’s elections will also include offices of township trustees, township advisory board members, precinct committeemen for the Democrat party, and state convention delegates.
The only town election will be for the town of Syracuse. Seats in District 1 held by Larry Siegel and District 2, held by Paul Stoelting, up for election.
State and Federal Offices
Offices currently held by Rebecca Kubacki as State Representative 22nd District and Dave Wolkins, State Representative 18th District, will be up for election. Offices of U. S. Representative 2nd District Jackie Walorski and U.S. Representative 3rd District Marlin Stutzman are also up for election.
The general election will include the election for secretary of state, held by Connie Lawson; state treasurer, held by Richard Mourdock and the position of state auditor. Dwayne Sawyer, was appointed by Gov. Mike Pence to fill the position following the resignation of Tim Beery, resigned in November just four months after his appointment. His replacement has yet to be named by Pence.
Absentee Voting
Applications for absentee voting began being accepted by the county clerk’s office on Dec. 2 according to the Secretary of State’s Indiana Election Divisions election calendar. Absentee voting dates and hours for the primary will take place between April 8 and noon, May 5. For an absentee voting form call (574) 372-2332, option 1 or visit http://indianavoters.com.
Individuals who are not registered to vote will have until April 7 to register to vote in the primary election or Oct. 6 to vote in the general election. Registering to vote may be done at the county clerk’s office in the Kosciusko County Justice Building, on-line at http://indianavoters.com or any Bureau of Motor Vehicle branch. Registration may also be done by mail, but individuals will need to enclose a photocopy of his/her driver’s license, BMV ID,current utility statement, bank statement or government document showing name and current address.