School board race expected to be among area’s most contested

Monday is deadline to register to vote

LEWISTOWN -- If you haven't registered to vote for the Nov. 7 general election, there's still time. Registration can be completed by Oct. 23.

Elections officials across the Juniata River Valley are anticipating voter turnout to be in the mid-range -- with Mifflin County Director of Elections Paula Hoffman estimating about 40 percent and Juniata County Director of Elections Eva Weyrich predicting about 60 percent.

Both counties predict county commissioners to be among races of interest.

On the ballot for Mifflin County is Democrat Kevin Kodish and Republicans Noah Wise and Robert Postal. The public will be asked to vote for only two of these candidates. Winning candidates will serve a four-year term.

In Juniata County, the public must vote for only two out of the four candidates which include Democrats Mark Partner and Chris Casner, as well as Republicans Todd Graybill

and Alice Gray.

Hoffman added that Mifflin County School District's Board of Directors could also be a contentious race." added Paula Hoffman.

Only five of eight candidates can be selected at the polls to fill a four-year term.

Those candidates include: Mary Lou Sigler, Democrat; Dianne Shearer, Democrat; Terry Stylers, crossfiled; Danica Laub, Democrat; Noah Wise, crossfiled; Paula Dickson, Republican; Frederick Nickel, Republican and Zeb Harshbarger, Republican.

Election officials recommend voters due diligence before going to the polls.

One way to do this is by attending the 2023 General Election Measure the Candidates Night, which is being held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Mifflin County High School.

During the event, it is anticipated that school board candidates will be asked questions submitted by the audience, as well as the school district's proposed multi-sports complex.

Other candidates expected to attend the event include Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Reed, who is running unopposed for the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas Judge seat, a 10 year term; Mifflin County Commissioners Kevin Kodish; Robert Postal and Noah Wise; Craig Weston, who is crossfield for the Magisterial District Judge 58-3-01 seat, a six year term. Current Mifflin County District Attorney Chris Torquato will also be in attendance, as will Mifflin County Prothonotary Tammy Stuck. Mifflin County School board candidates Shearer and Styers are also expected to be in attendance.