Here are a few things to know about the races in this year’s primary:
Register to vote
Those in Clark and Champaign counties seeking to register can do so at their county boards of elections.
Below is a look at what’s on the ballot. Only contested races are mentioned. In some races at the county and state House and Senate level, only one or fewer candidates are on the ballot and those candidates will go on to the November election.
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President
As of now, there are eight active candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for president in Ohio. But before the primary, there could be fewer candidates, as about two dozen primaries and caucuses happen between Feb. 22 and March 14, most of which happen on March 3, which is known as Super Tuesday. President Trump is unchallenged in the Republican primary in Ohio. The Democratic candidates still on the ballot in Ohio are Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer and Elizabeth Warren.
Congress
Congressman Warren Davidson is being challenged by Edward Meer, of West Chester Twp., for the 8th Congressional District. Meer ran against the Troy Republican, and more than a dozen others, in the 2016 regular and special primaries.
Vanessa Enoch and Matt Guyette are vying for the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District. The district includes several counties including Clark.
In the 4th District, three Democrats are running for the chance to challenge Republican Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana. The Democrats running are Shannon Freshour, Mike Larsen, Jeffrey Sites. Jordan does not have a primary challenger. On the ballot in November will also be Libertariean Steve Perkins.
Judicial races
Republicans Chris Epley and Jeff Rezabek will face off for the 2nd District Court of Appeals seat. The district includes Clark and Champaign counties as well as several others.
Clark County:
Commissioners
In the Clark County Commissioners race, Republican Lowell McGlothin has filed to run for his seat again. McGlothin is a former mayor of New Carlisle.
William Linsey, a Republican and the current vice-Mayor of New Carlisle, has filed to challenge McGlothin for the seat.
Longtime Clark County Commissioner and State Representative Charles David Hartley also filed petitions to run as a Democrat in November.Fellow Democrat Alex Muller also filed for the race, and Democrats will choose between the two to run for the seat in November. Muller is a small business owner in Clark County.
Sheriff
Two candidates have filed to run in the Democratic primary for Clark County Sheriff, and the one selected in March by voters will go up against Republican Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchett in November.
One is Russell Garman, has 40 years of experience in law enforcement, including 36 years at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He reached the rank of Major during his tenure at the office. The other is former Springfield Police Captain Mike Varner, who spent 25 years at the police division.
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Treasurer
Two Democrats will face for Clark County Treasurer, Stephen Metzger and Michelle Harris.Metzger has been the county treasurer since 1988.
Clerk of Courts
Clark County Common Pleas Clerk of Court Melissa Tuttle is running against two opponents this election cycle.
Tuttle is being challenged by Tina Bleything, a lifelong Clark County resident, who worked for both Clark County and Madison County’s Job and Family Services for a combined 34 years. She is also a Realtor.
The winner of that race will face Democrat Shelia Rice, who is also a Realtor, in November.
Champaign County:
Commissioners
Republicans Timothy D. Cassady and David E. Faulkner are facing off for a Champaign County Board of Commissioners seat.
Republicans Steven R. Hess and Stacey E. Logwood are vying for a second commissioner seat.
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Sheriff
Incumbent Champaign County Sheriff Matthew R. Melvin is facing primary challenges from Chad Burroughs and David C. Patrick II.
Senior Center Levy
Champaign County residents are also being asked to approved an additional tax levy for the Urbana Champaign County Senior Center. The senior center is seeking a 0.5 mills levy which would amount to $0.05 for each $100 dollars of valuation for 5 years beginning in 2020, first due for the calendar year 2021.
Staff Writer Michael D. Pitman contributed to this report
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE
• Voter registration ends today for the March primary and you can register online at MyOhioVote.com, or in your county. The Clark County Board of Elections is located at 3130 E. Main St. (formerly E. National Rd.) Springfield. The Champaign County Board of Elections, 1512 S. U.S. Highway 68, Suite L-100. You can also update your voter registration information online or at the elections office.
• Early voting is at the board of elections office. The hours are: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Feb. 19 to March 6; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 9 to March 13; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14; 1 to 5 p.m. March 15; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 16.
• All vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Monday, March 16. You may have to ask your post office to postmark the envelope. You may hand-deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to the elections office any time until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
• Election Day is March 17, and polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and if you are in line when polls close you will be allowed to cast a ballot.
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