The filing period for any Democrat or Republican wishing to have their name placed on the May 3 primary ballot for the 10 countywide offices up for the election this year wraps up later this week.

Filings of declarations of candidacy for those offices at the county clerk’s office in the courthouse at Brownstown has slowed to a trickle. As of Friday afternoon, just three races had been put in place.

The filing period for candidates from major political parties ends at noon Friday.

The newest race involves the District 1 county commissioners seat presently held by Republican Jerry Hounshel. Hounshel, who is wrapping up his second four-year term this year, declined to discuss his plans but has said his name will not be on the Republican ballot.

At this time, two Republicans, both political newcomers, have filed for that seat. The most recent is David D. Martindale of Brownstown, who will square off against Drew Markel of Seymour.

Martindale, who has been a voting machine mechanic for the county for a dozen years, said he plans to give up that job so he can run for office.

“It’s time to do something else and let someone else do that,” the 56-year-old said. “It’s just something I’ve thought about doing, and now seemed like the right time. I think I can help the county out and bring some different ideas to the table.”

He said he plans to get out and do some door-to-door campaigning as the election draws nearer.

The second race on the ballot features three Republicans vying for the District 2 commissioners seat presently held by Republican Tom Joray.

The Seymour man is facing challenges from Bob Gillaspy and Donald M. Schnitker, both of Seymour.

The other race on the May 3 primary at this time is for county treasurer, an office presently held by Republican Maria Fisher or Norman. She is facing a challenge from Roger Hurt of Brownstown.

Other filings this past week include Michael Bobb, a Republican from Seymour, who is seeking that party’s nomination for county coroner, and Kathy Schafstall, a Seymour Democrat, seeking one of that party’s three nominations for county council at-large seats. No GOP candidates had filed for any of those seats through 4 p.m. Friday.

Republicans and Democrats have until noon June 30 to fill any ballot vacancies. Independents and candidates from minor parties also face the same deadline to submit a petition of signatures for verification by the clerk.

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County residents interested in filing for one of the 10 countywide offices up for election this year have until noon Friday to file paperwork with the clerk’s office in the Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown.

For information, call the clerk’s office at 812-358-6116.

County positions up for election in the May 3 primary include:

• County commissioner District 1
• County commissioner District 2
• County council at-large (three seats)
• County treasurer
• County auditor
• County surveyor
• County coroner
• Jackson Superior Court II judge

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