~The Scranton Journal
The long-awaited general election is Tuesday. Voters across the nation will go to the polls to cast their ballots on the national, state and county candidates. For many, the end of the commercials, debates and arguments can’t come soon enough.
In Greene County, the polls will be open from 7 am to 9 pm in seven locations across the area. Voters may cast an early ballot until 4:30 pm on Monday, Nov. 7, at the county auditor’s office at the courthouse. The office will be open on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 am to 5 pm for early voting.
Generating the most interest in the county are the three races for county supervisors. All three incumbents have opponents.
Guy Richardson of Jefferson lost to Peter Bardole in the Republican primary in June in District 5. Richardson is running as an independent against Bardole in an effort to keep his seat on the board.
Republican incumbents Mick Burkett in District 1 and John Muir in District 4 are challenged by Democrats Alan Robinson in District 1 and Todd Madson in District 4.
Jack Williams won the Republican nomination for sheriff in the primary election. He has no opposition on the ballot Tuesday. Republican Jane Heun is unopposed for the auditor job.
Jefferson voters will elect a council person to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation and relocation of Lisa Jaskey. Candidates are Dan Benitz, a retired teacher; Kirk Hammer, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy; and Matt Wetrich, Carroll County conservationist. All three live in Jefferson’s second ward, as did Jaskey. This is the last Jefferson city election with a residency requirement for council seats. In the 2017 election and going forward council members will be elected at large.
At the state level, Republican Jerry Behn is challenged by Democrat Keith Puntenney for the state senator seat in District 24. Chip Baltimore (Republican) is opposed by Democrat Deb Duncan for the District 47 seat as state representative.
In addition to the president / vice President race pitting Republicans Donald Trump / Michael Pence against Democrats Hillary Clinton / Tim Kaine, Greene County residents will vote on a U.S. senator and representative, District 4.
Long-time Republican Senator Charles Grassley is challenged by Democrat Patty Judge. Steve King (Republican) has Democrat Kim Weaver as his opponent.
There are several non-partisan offices on the ballot. Voters will elect trustees to the Greene County Medical Center, Soil and Water Conservation District commissioners and Agricultural Extension Council members. There are no contests with many incumbents seeking re-election.
There are three candidates for three seats on the hospital board. They are incumbents Judy Sankot, James Schleisman and Bill Raney.
Seeking seats on the Soil and Water Conservation board are Susan Cort, Frederick Long, Jr and Mark Naberhaus.
Ag Extension Council candidates for four-year terms are Thomas Heater, Doug Rieder, Robert Smith and Shari Minnehan. Pam Olerich is a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Extension Council.
In addition, voters are also asked to cast votes on the judicial ballot. There are three Supreme Court judges; four Court of Appeals judges and two District Court judges.
Voters are reminded of the voter registration laws. Voters who have not voted in a recent election or have moved can contact the auditor’s office to confirm their voter registration.
Any voter physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote in his or her vehicle. Contact the auditor’s office for details.
Results of the election will be posted upon completion on the Greene County website. Details will also be available on www.greenecountynewsonline. The Scranton Journal will publish results Nov. 16.
Click here for the Notice of Election, which includes a list of all polling places. Click here and here for both pages of the sample ballot.
