Deadlines Pass for Independent Candidate Filings, Caucuses

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton won't be facing any independent challengers in the Nov. 5 municipal election. And unless official write-in candidates file by noon on July 3, many residents in the city won't be going to the polls. That's  because except for Districts 2 and 3, there won't be any competition in other districts or citywide races. [UPDATE: No write-in candidates filed by the July 3 deadline.]

Elections generally aren't held unless there are contested races or official write-in candidates. The decision not to have an election is made by the Monroe County Election Board.

Monday, July 1 at noon was the filing deadline for independent candidates. According to Karen Wheeler, Monroe County election supervisor, one potential candidate for mayor – Nile Arena – submitted fewer than 230 signatures, far less than the required 522 needed to be put on the ballot. No one else filed to run for mayor.

Sunday, June 30 was the deadline for political parties to meet and select candidates for the Nov. 5 ballot. In Bloomington, the Republican Party did not caucus this year, Wheeler said.

Write-in candidates do not have to submit signatures or be chosen by caucus. They simply need to complete the appropriate paperwork and file it with the Monroe County election staff by noon on July 3. If a write-in files to run for mayor, clerk or an at-large council seat, then elections will be held citywide. ​[UPDATE: No write-in candidates filed by the July 3 deadline.]

Competition for Council in Districts 2 & 3

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District 3 will see the most competitive race. Ron Smith, who won the May 7 Democratic Party primary, will run against two independents: Marty Spechler and Nick Kappas.

​In District 2, Republican Andrew Guenther and Democrat Sue Sgambelluri will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Again, if no one files to be a write-in candidate for mayor,  clerk or for other districts or at-large council seats, only voters in Districts 2 and 3 will be casting ballots on Nov. 5.

Voter Registration Deadline: October 7

Monday, Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election. Click here for a voter registration application form. For information about voting requirements, photo ID regulations, absentee voting and more, check out the 2019 Indiana Voter Registration Guide or the Monroe County Election Central website.

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