Although November 2024 seems distant, those interested in representing a major political party in the fall election need to make up their minds about running by early February.
The first day to visit the courthouse and file to run in the May primary is Jan. 10, and the filing deadline is noon Feb. 9.
Several Wayne County races will be on the 2024 ballot along with president, governor and Congress.
The local races up for grabs are county council at large, District 2 and 3 commissioners, clerk of courts, treasurer, coroner, and surveyor.
Local residents can also run for Judge of Superior Court 1, Indiana’s House of Representatives District 56 and governor.
A few local partisan opportunities will be finalized during the primary. Wayne County Republicans can file for precinct committee roles. Democrats and Republicans will choose their state convention delegates, too.
Federal races on the 2024 ballot for area voters include president and a few of Indiana’s voices in Washington. Those are the U.S. House of Representatives’ District 6 seat and one Senate seat.
In 2023, Wayne County’s voter registration office teamed with Purdue Extension to offer a free, no-obligation information session for those who might be interested in running for a local office someday.
Wayne County Clerk of Courts Debbie Berry said the program drew some of the first-time 2023 Richmond Common Council candidates, among others.
Berry said they plan to offer a similar program before the 2024 filing deadline. More details about that workshop are to be announced at a later date.
When to register for 2024 elections
Candidate: The first day to visit the courthouse and file to run in the May primary is Jan. 10, and the filing deadline is noon Feb. 9.
A full election calendar is available at co.wayne.in.us/clerk/election/2024CalendarBrochure.pdf.
Voter: Here are a few notable dates for prospective voters:
- Voter registration for the May 7 primary ends April 8. Absentee ballot applications are due April 25.
- Voter registration for the Nov. 5 election ends Oct. 7. Absentee ballots must be requested by Oct. 24.
Prospective candidates and voters can stop by the voter registration office on the second floor of the county courthouse at 301 E. Main St. in Richmond, or call 765-973-9304. Voters also can verify their registration or register at indianavoters.in.gov.
A version of this article appeared in the December 20 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.