Deadlines approaching for voter registration; start of early voting

In just a few weeks, you will be able to cast your votes in the city of Columbus primary election.

Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps  explains that voter registration ends on Monday, April 8th and early voting starts on April 9th at the voter registration office in the courthouse. That will be during normal courthouse hours from 8 to 5.

On Monday, April 29th, early voting will expand to Donner Center from 10 to 6 on weekdays. The courthouse and Donner Center will be open on the Saturday before the primary from 8 to 3.

Donner Center will be the only satellite voting center open this election, due to the expected low voter turnout with only four contested races on the ballot.

All of the seats on Columbus City Council are up for election this year, as is the clerk-treasurer and the mayor.

However, the only contested races for primary voters are on the Republican ticket. Incumbent Republican Mayor Jim Lienhoop is facing challenger Glenn Petri. The City Council District 1 race representing the east Columbus area will see incumbent Dascal Bunch running against Chris Rutan. In District 3, which covers parts of eastern Columbus, recently appointed Councilman David Bush is running against Russ Poling. That seat had been held by Frank Jerome until he moved out of the city in December.

In the at-large Republican race, incumbent Councilwoman Laurie Booher is being challenged by Josh Burnett and John D. Councellor.

There are no contested races in the May primary on the Democratic ticket.