KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The 2018 May primary may be four months away, but activity for candidates officially begins Wednesday, Jan. 10. That is the first day candidates can file declarations for the primary. Filing will end at noon Feb. 9.

Kosciusko County voters are already aware there will be one race, that of sheriff, on the May 8 ballot, but will there be other races? There has been an indication there will be a race for the nomination of township trustee in Plain Township.

Residents seeking nominations for local public office can file for county auditor, county recorder, county assessor, county commissioner southern district and county council district 1, 2, 3 and 4 seats. Residents can also file for a position as township trustee or one of three seats on the township advisory boards in his/her respective townships.

Ever had the thought of running for clerk-treasurer or town council? Milford will have elections for clerk-treasurer and all three at large seats on the town council. Syracuse will have two district council seats up for election, those of District 1 and 2. Winona Lake will also have two district council seats up for election, those of District 3 and 5.

Additionally persons interested in the Democrat Precinct Committeemen positions can file declarations as well as those interested in being state convention delegates.

Candidates for all of these offices can file declarations of candidacy with the Clerk of the Court, Ann Torpy.

There are two more positions in the county up for election. The position of Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge and prosecuting attorney, 54th Judicial District. Candidates for these positions must file with the office of the Indiana Secretary of State.

The same is true for candidates filing for state and federal offices. These offices include: State Rep. 18th District, State Rep. 22nd District, U.S. Rep. 2nd District, U.S. Rep. 3rd District, and U.S. Senator.

Candidates who file for a local office will need to complete the CAN-12 Statement of Economic Interest. Those running for precinct committeeman or state convention delegate do not need to complete this form.

All forms are now available under election information on the county website: www.kcgov.com.

The general election, Nov. 6, will include school board elections for district seats Tippecanoe Valley, Wa-Nee, Whitko, Triton, Wawasee and Warsaw school corporations. Those candidates will be filing between July 25 and noon Aug. 24.

All residents should be aware voter registration closes Monday, April 9, for the primary election. Absentee voting will begin Tuesday, April 10.