ASHLAND — The Ashland Board of Elections certified the list of candidates, questions and issues that will appear on the March 19 primary election during an early morning meeting on Thursday.
The only contested race in March will be for the Republican nomination for Ashland County Sheriff. Two candidates filed for the position.
On the questions and issues side, there are no new or additional levies. The only question to appear on the ballot will be a liquor option for Sunday sales at an American Legion in Loudonville.
Chad Enderby and Kurt Schneider, both 51, are running to be the next sheriff. Wayne Risner, who has been at the helm for 24 years, announced in July he would not seek another term when it ends Jan. 1, 2025.
Enderby serves as the city of Ashland’s human resources director, a job he’s held since 2021. Before that, he worked as the assistant district commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was with that agency for 28 years.
Schneider currently works for Bensen Fire and Safety Consulting, a job he’s held since 2012. He also serves as an unpaid peace officer for the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and he worked at the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office from 2003 to 2016.
Both candidates reside in Ashland, according to documents filed with the board of elections.
Ashland County Board of Elections Director Amanda Jones said both candidates filed petitions and forms on time and correctly. They also collected the required signatures on time.
No Democratic candidates filed for election in Ashland County. Independents have until March 18, 2024 and must gather 188 signatures.
The 2024 March primary will determine a candidate for each party. After the general election, the new sheriff will start his or her job on Jan. 1, 2025.
Below is a list of all other candidates who filed in Ashland County. They are all Republican. Boards of elections have until Jan. 2 to certify candidates for state offices.
- Ashland County Board of Commissioners: James Emmett Justice
- Ashland County Board of Commissioners: Michael E. Welch
- Ashland County Prosecutor: Christopher R. Tunnell
- Clerk of the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas: Deborah A. Myers
- Ashland County Sheriff’s Office: Chad W. Enderby, Kurt J. Schneider
- Ashland County Recorder: Erin Beebe
- Ashland County Treasurer: Angela S. McQuillen
- Ashland County Engineer: Edward J. Meixner
- Ashland County Coroner: Dale R. Thomae
Below is a list of questions and issues in Ashland County.
Loudonville 2
- Local liquor option, American Legion — Post 0257 Loudonville. (Wine and mixed beverages and spiritous liquor — Sunday sales)
Loudonville Village
- Renewal tax levy, current expenses. 4.5 mills for five years
- Renewal tax levy, fire protection and emergency medical services. 3.5 mills for five years
Mifflin Township
- Renewal tax levy, fire protection and emergency medical services. 1.25 mills for five years
- Renewal tax levy, roads and bridges. 2 mills for five years
Orange Township
- Renewal tax levy, fire protection and emergency medical services. 1.7 mills for five years
Vermillion Township
- Renewal tax levy, parks and recreation. 0.4 mills for five years
- Renewal tax levy, roads and bridges. 1.5 mills for five years
Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District
- Renewal tax levy, permanent improvements. 1.5 mills for five years
The primary election in Ohio will be held on March 19.
The deadline to register to vote is Feb. 20, with early voting starting on Feb. 21. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on March 17.
For hours at the Ashland County Board of Elections during early voting, visit the website.