Today is Primary Election Day in Knox County, with vote centers open until 6 p.m.
Voters are deciding several contested races on the Republican ballot, including a four-person race for sheriff. Candidates Mike Fisher, John Fuller, Paul Jones, and Dan Short are all current deputies seeking the nomination. Current Sheriff Doug Vantlin is not running again. The winner will face Democrat Brian Hagen in November.
Three Republicans are running for Knox County Assessor: Ovi Ciceu, Zac Harper, and Robert “Woody” Woodward. No Democrat filed for that office.
In County Commissioner District 3, Rich Chattin and Matt Hoffman are running for an open seat. Current Commissioner Kellie Streeter is not seeking re-election as she runs for state office.
Chattin’s County Council District 4 seat is also open, with Rob French and Brandy Toney on the ballot. In District 3, incumbent Jay Yochum faces Kelley Kopp Hopwood and Brett Dawson. In District 1, incumbent Mary Crismore is challenged by Terry Vieck. No Democrats filed for county council races.
The County Recorder’s office is also open, as Kelley Kopp Hopwood is running for council. Republican candidates Vickie Bottoms and Blake Wilson are on the ballot, along with Democrat Lisa Ritterskamp.
Voters will also decide several township trustee and convention delegate races.
At the state level, the Republican primary for Senate District 39 includes Tanner Bouchie, Jeff Ellington, and Kristi Risk. Incumbent Eric Bassler is not seeking re-election. Democrat Joseph Baughman will appear on the November ballot.
In House District 45, Kellie Streeter is challenging incumbent Bruce Borders in the Republican primary. Democrat Becky Mayfield is also running.
Knox County Republican Chair David Shelton said contested races give voters more choice.
“It’s good to have a choice as opposed to not having a choice for your candidate,” Shelton said. “I encourage all voters to do the best research they can and become the best informed voters they possibly can.”
Shelton said open seats often lead to more candidates entering races.
“You see that happen a lot when you have an open seat,” Shelton said. “A lot of our offices have term limits, and that does bring out people. We’ll let the voters decide.”
On the Democratic side, several candidates are on the ballot, though many races are not contested.
Democratic Chair Marsha Fleming said the party has worked to expand its slate of candidates.
“We’ve worked very hard to make sure that there are candidates at every level—county, township, state, house and Senate,” Fleming said. “So we need to find you Democrats. So please vote in a Democratic primary. That’s how we find you.”
Fleming said Indiana’s open primary system allows voters to choose which ballot they participate in.
“If the only sheriff candidates are in the Republican Party and you feel like that’s the only way you’ll have a say, you’ll vote in a Republican primary,” Fleming said. “We understand that.”
She said Democrats are encouraging voters to take part in their party’s primary when possible.
In surrounding counties, most primary races are limited. Daviess County has one contested race for County Council District 3. Pike County has a contested sheriff’s race. Gibson County voters are deciding a sheriff’s race. Sullivan and Greene counties each have multiple contested Republican races.
Vote centers in Knox County remain open until 6 p.m.
Vote center locations:
Bicknell Firehouse
Bruceville Firehouse
Decker Firehouse
Edwardsport Firehouse
Freelandville Community Center
Monroe City Blue Jeans Center
Oaktown Firehouse
Sandborn Community Center
Vincennes – Duke Energy
Vincennes – Bethany Christian Church
Vincennes – Old Work Release Building
Vincennes – Highland Woods Community Center
Wheatland Town Hall
