Columbus-area voters are in for a crowded ballot this fall. Bartholomew County is sending 16 contested local races to the Nov. 3, general election, covering countywide offices such as clerk, treasurer, recorder and auditor, along with three county council districts and at least one commissioners race. One familiar name will have a quiet campaign season, though, as longtime Assessor Ginny Whipple is listed as running unopposed.
How to vote and key deadlines
The Indiana Election Division sets the general election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, and notes that mail-in voter registration forms must arrive by Oct. 5 to count for the general. Voters can register online or pull up sample ballots through the IndianaVoters portal, while county election offices handle early in-person voting periods and absentee ballot requests. For the fine print on forms, cutoff dates and how to use the voter portal, residents are directed to follow the official state election guidance.
Key matchups to watch
Local coverage has already sketched out several one-on-one contests. County Council District 1 is set as Greg Patterson (R) against Lisa Crane (D), District 2 pairs Leah Beyer (R) with Zack Patchett (D), and District 3 features Mark Gorbett (R) facing Janae Garner-Kelley (D). Countywide races on the ballot include Sandy Beatty (R) versus Elizabeth Cleland (D) for treasurer, Shari Lentz (R) against Quisha Jackson (D) for clerk, Debra Beck Settle (R) versus Nancy Merbitz (D) for recorder, and Vickie Michael (R) facing Kimberly Wadholm (D) for auditor. According to local reporting, the major party filing window closed in mid-June, with independent filings and candidate withdrawals allowed through mid-July.
Why these contests matter
These offices oversee county finances, official records and everyday services, from tax abatements and road projects to public records and election administration. Who ends up holding the council and commissioners seats will help determine budget priorities and set the direction for local policy over the next term. The county website and its public meeting calendar show when and where residents can watch hearings, follow votes and see how the candidates present themselves as the fall campaign heats up.
Follow the races
Voters can study sample ballots and track who has filed to run using Indiana’s online voter portal, while the Secretary of State maintains the official candidate lists and statewide rules for the general election. Local newsrooms are gathering candidate statements and planning coverage of debates and forums, and county meeting calendars offer another way to keep an eye on the races in real time. For the initial rundown of contested seats in Bartholomew County, residents can look to local reporting that first pulled together the full candidate slate.
For details on registration, sample ballots and official candidate lists, voters are pointed to the state and county election information pages linked below.
Sources: as reported by The Republic; according to Indiana Secretary of State; and information from Bartholomew County.
