Wayne County, Indiana 2026 Election Guide

Explore below to learn when and where to vote, candidates in contested races, election news articles and additional resources.

About the 2026 general election

The 2026 general election in Wayne County, Indiana takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

It is a county-wide election where voters will select representatives to various county government bodies as well as state and national elected roles.

Elected officials provide leadership and oversight of government functions that affect the daily lives of residents. From making decisions about responsible uses of taxpayer dollars to responding to citizen concerns, the people elected or reelected in the fall could shape key aspects of the community for years.

When and where to vote

Tuesday, Nov. 3 is General Election Day, with polls open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. at eight vote centers countywide:

  • Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1108 N. H St., Richmond
  • LifeSpring North Church, 5600 U.S. 27 N., Richmond
  • First Baptist Church, 1601 S. A St., Richmond
  • Golay Community Center, 1007 E. Main St., Cambridge City
  • New Testament Church of Christ, 752 W. Main St., Hagerstown
  • First Bank Kuhlman Center, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond
  • First English Lutheran Church, 2727 E. Main St., Richmond
  • Centerville Church of the Nazarene, 7181 U.S. 40, Centerville

Voters can cast a ballot at any of them. Voters must bring a government-issued photo ID.

In-person absentee (early) voting

At the Voter Registration Office, Wayne County Courthouse, second floor, 301 E. Main St., Richmond, Oct. 6 through Nov. 2:

  • Monday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

At four vote centers, Oct. 26-30, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.:

  • First Bank Kuhlman Center, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond
  • First English Lutheran Church, 2727 E. Main St., Richmond
  • Golay Community Center, 1007 E. Main St., Cambridge City
  • New Testament Church of Christ, 752 W. Main St., Hagerstown

First Bank Kuhlman Center will also be open Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn more about how to cast your vote using the Verity Scan voting equipment.

For more information, call the Voter Registration Office at 765-973-9304 or 765-973-9226.

Candidates in Contested Races

(This section is still being updated with candidate photos and other information, please check back soon.)

United States Representative – Sixth District

Cinde Wirth

Democratic

Jefferson Shreve

Republican

Indiana State Representative – District 56

Randy Retter

Republican

Thomas Scott Rockwell

Democratic

Indiana State Senator – District 27

Jeff Raatz

Republican

Ron Itnyre

Democratic

Wayne County Council – District 2

Barry Ritter

Republican

Ryan Ogden

Democratic

Wayne County Council – District 4

Richard Tincher

Republican

Tom Pennington

Democratic

Judge – Superior Court 2

Austin Shadle

Republican

Jessica L. Richert

Independent

Wayne Township Trustee

Susan Isaacs

Republican

Jade Rockwell

Democratic

Wayne Township Board (3 seats)

Diane Dwyer Blackwell

Republican

    Terri Smith

    Republican

      Marilyn Sowers

      Republican

      James “Jimmy” Freiberger II

      Democratic

      Lucas Gosnell

      Democratic

      Michael Jay

      Democratic

      Richmond Community Schools (3 seats)

      Michael Elorreaga

      Nonpartisan

      Kimberly Brown Pickering

      Nonpartisan

      Bruce A. Laudermilk

      Independent

      Tevin Roger Thomas

      Independent

      Roderick “Rod” Weiss

      Republican

        Western Wayne Schools – At Large

        Robert Miller

        Republican

        Jeffrey “Jeff” Allen Munchel

        Republican

          Clay Township Board

          Cheryl Heacox

          Libertarian

          Louis Artman

          Republican

          David McClain

          Republican

            Jan Riggleman

            Republican

            Sample Ballot

            Wayne County voters can see a sample ballot before heading to the polls at wwn.to/generalballot26.

            Election coverage and articles

            Voting requirements

            Hoosiers can check their voter registration at indianavoters.in.gov or at the voter registration office in their courthouse. The deadline to register for the general election is Monday, Oct. 5.

            Check Your Voter Registration

            Registration also can be updated at either place to change outdated information such as an address. Wayne County’s office, inside the courthouse at 301 E. Main St., Richmond, is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. In-person absentee voting starts the next day, Tuesday, Oct. 6.

            For more information, call 765-973-9304 or visit co.wayne.in.us/clerk/votersreg.html.

            Voters need to have a driver’s license or Indiana-issued photo ID card or federal-issued ID such as a veterans’ ID with photo or a passport.

            BMV branches will be open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

            More information about required documents is available at 888-692-6841 or in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/.

            Additional Resources

            If you still have questions: