Candidate packets now available from Voter Registration Office

While some candidates for Putnam County sheriff, recorder and clerk have already begun their campaigns, the formal filing period for the 2022 Putnam County primary election does not open until Wednesday, Jan. 5.

In that important date, candidate packets are now available at the Putnam County Voter Registration Office on the second floor of the Putnam County Courthouse.

The filing deadline for Republicans and Democrats wishing to take part in the May 3 primary election is noon on Friday, Feb. 4.

There is actually quite the slate of county and town offices up for election in 2022.

From a police and courts perspective, the Putnam County sheriff, prosecutor and circuit court judge are all on the ballot. Of the three, only Sheriff Scott Stockton is term limited, with Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter eligible to run for another four-year term and Judge Matt Headley eligible for another six-year term.

Four courthouse offices are also on the agenda in the clerk of courts, recorder, surveyor and assessor. Clerk Heather Gilbert and Recorder Tracy Bridges are both term limited, with Surveyor David Penturf and Assessor Janet Brown eligible for additional terms.

At the administrative level, District 2 of the Putnam County Commissioners will be on the ballot, as will Putnam County Council Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The current occupants of those positions are Commissioner Rick Woodall and Councilmen Dave Fuhrman (District 1), Jay Alcorn (District 2), Danny Wallace (District 3) and Keith Berry (District 4).

None of these positions have term limits.

Also on the ballot will be all Putnam County township trustees and advisory board members.

From a party perspective, all Democratic precinct committeemen will be on the ballot, as well as delegates to both the Democratic and Republican state conventions.

Both Russellville and Cloverdale could have party nominations for town positions on the ballot as well.

All elected Russellville positions — clerk-treasurer and three town council seats — are up for election in 2022. In Cloverdale, one at-large position and the Third Ward of the Cloverdale Town Council are on the docket.

Anyone wishing to seek any of the town or county positions as an independent, which has often been the norm in town politics in the past, will have a deadline later in the year to appear on the November ballot.

Additionally, school boards are always a non-partisan position, so they will not appear until November.

Anyone with questions regarding candidate packets may call the Putnam County Voter Registration Office at 655-1538.

Once the filing period opens, the Banner Graphic will provide periodic updates regarding those who have formally their candidacy paperwork.