Local Election ballots taking shape

It’s about three months until the Primary Election in Illinois, and some of the local races are becoming clear. There are a handful of contested races in Madison and Jersey Counties, but none again in Macoupin County for the various county elected offices.

In Madison County, Board Chair Kurt Prenzler is being challeneged by current Treasurer Chris Slusser. Incumbent Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae is being challeneged by Steven Adler. County Board District 7, which covers much of Godfrey, will be a contest between incumbent Michael Turner and challenger Linda Ogden. District 15, which encompasses portions of Bethalto and South Roxana will see incumbent Terry Eaker challeneged by Bob Coles, the current police chief of South Roxana. All of these are on the Republican ticket.

It’s also a Republican affair in Jersey County. There are four running for Circuit Clerk: incumbent Daniel Schetter, and challengers Paula Dahn, Kathy Young, and Mitch Reynolds. For the County Board, incumbents Jarrod Hayes and Kenneth Grizzle will be joined by challenger Craig Bailey in the race for the two spots in District 1. Benjamin Heitzig is the lone incumbent running in District 2 for that 4-year term. He’s joined by challengers Marty Ward and Eric Hutchinson. Running for a 2-year term is Jared Mills.

Voters can request mail-in ballots starting Dec. 20. The Illinois primary election is set for March 19.