By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph voters face a fairly crowded ballot this primary election and will narrow the field for the April municipal election.
Candidates on today’s ballot could be elected outright if they receive a majority of the votes cast.
Four candidates are on the ballot for mayor: former St. Joseph city councilmember and deputy mayor Gary Wilkinson, retired businessman John Josendale, businessman Gary Lewis, and Community Action Partnership Executive Director Whitney Lanning.
Two will advance to the April 5th General Election unless one receives a majority of the votes today.
Nine candidates are running for four at-large St. Joseph City Council seats with it likely that only one will be eliminated before the April General Election. Councilmembers Brenda Blessing and Kent “Spanky” O’Dell are running for re-election. District II councilmember Marty Novak is running for an at-large seat. Also on the ballot are businessman Kenton Randolph, electrician Carl Jennings, businessman Randy Schultz, businessman Jeff Schomburg, businessman Andy Montee, and current St. Joseph School Board member Kenneth Reeder.
It is likely only one candidate will be eliminated with eight advancing to the April municipal election. It is possible one or more could be elected outright by receiving a majority of the votes cast today.
Four candidates are on the ballot for the St. Joseph Second District council seat: former city councilmember Ben Burtnett, electrician Mike Bodde, insurance agent Taylor Crouse, and Walmart employee Aaron Armstrong.
Two will advance unless one receives the majority of the votes.
Three attorneys seek to replace St. Joseph Municipal Judge John Boeh, who is retiring.
Assistant City Attorney Jason Soper, Assistant City Attorney Ted Elo, and Attorney Terri Lowdon are on the ballot.
Two will advance unless one receives a majority of the votes cast.
Polls opened at six o’clock this morning and close at seven this evening. Election officials expect a low turnout, though warmer weather today could increase turnout.