Polls open 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

LEWISTOWN — The May 20 primary election approaches, with numerous candidates vying for positions across Mifflin and Juniata counties. Voters will decide contests ranging from county-wide offices to local municipal positions, with several races featuring multiple candidates competing for their party’s nomination.

In Mifflin County, the Republican primary for sheriff stands as one of the most prominent contests, with Martin Bubb and Douglas S. Cramer seeking the nomination.

Meanwhile, the Mifflin County School Board race features a crowded field with multiple cross-filed candidates appearing on both Democratic and Republican ballots.

Juniata County voters will determine nominees for several township supervisor positions, with contested Republican primaries in Lack, Susquehanna, Tuscarora, and Walker townships. The race for Magisterial District Judge 41-3-01 features Tracy L. Powell and Tara L. Ebright Swartz, both cross-filed on Democratic and Republican ballots.

Judicial races

The primary also includes statewide judicial races. Democrats will choose between Brandon Neuman for Superior Court and Stella Tsai for Commonwealth Court. Republicans face choices between Maria Battista and Ann Marie Wheatcraft for Superior Court and between Matt Wolford and Josh Prince for Commonwealth Court.

Cross-filing, where candidates appear on both Democratic and Republican ballots, remains common in judicial and school board races. This practice allows candidates to secure nominations from both parties, potentially avoiding a general election contest in November.

The election comes as both counties prepare for leadership transitions in key positions. The outcomes will shape local governance for years to come, with winners advancing to the general election on Nov. 4.

The Republican primary for Mifflin County Sheriff features two candidates with differing backgrounds and experience levels. Douglas S. Cramer, who secured the first ballot position, brings a background in law enforcement to his campaign. His opponent, Martin Bubb, enters the race with his perspective on county law enforcement priorities.

The sheriff’s office oversees courthouse security, serves legal documents, and manages the transportation of prisoners, among other responsibilities. The position carries a four-year term, with the winner of the Republican primary facing no Democratic opposition in the November general election.

Judicial positions continue to attract candidates who cross-file on both Democratic and Republican ballots, a practice permitted for these nonpartisan offices in Pennsylvania.

Aaron Gingrich appears unopposed for Judge, seeking a 10-year term on both party ballots. The Magisterial District Judge 58-3-02 position has drawn two cross-filed candidates: Eric S. Ettinger and John J. Miles. Both will appear on Democratic and Republican ballots, with Ettinger securing the first position on both ballots through the lottery drawing.

In Juniata County, the Magisterial District Judge 41-3-01 position features Tracy L. Powell and Tara L. Ebright Swartz, both from Fermanagh Township. The two candidates cross-filed, appearing on both Democratic and Republican ballots. This district covers Delaware, Fayette, Fermanagh, Greenwood, Monroe, and Susquehanna Townships, along with Mifflintown and Thompsontown Boroughs.

Magisterial district judges handle preliminary hearings in criminal cases, set bail, and preside over civil disputes involving smaller amounts of money. They also address traffic violations and minor criminal offenses.

School boards

The Mifflin County School Board of Directors race presents voters with multiple choices and the complexity of cross-filed candidates. For the two-year term positions, five candidates appear across both ballots. Mary Lou M. Sigler, Diane Stewart, and Joshua Looney all cross-filed, appearing on both Democratic and Republican ballots. Brent Erb and R. Brian Ketchem appear only on the Republican ballot.

The four-year term school board race features an even more crowded field. Mary Lou M. Sigler cross-filed and appear on both ballots. Chris Toddes appears only on the Democratic ballot. The Republican ballot includes six additional candidates: Cody L. Wian, Erin Barlup, Brent Erb, R. Brian Ketchem, Jessica Baumgardner and Mark R. Baker.

The Mount Union Area School Board Director-Region 1 race features Bruce J. Smith IV and Duane Gearhart. Both cross-filed on Democratic and Republican ballots.

In Juniata County, Angela Jo Varner cross-filed for the School Board Director Region 1 position representing Monroe Township. Helen Casner appears on the Democratic ballot for the Region 4 position representing Walker Township. Regions 8 and 9 have no candidates on either ballot.

School boards establish educational policies, approve budgets, and hire superintendents. Their decisions impact curriculum, staffing, facilities, and tax rates.

Township supervisors

Township supervisor races feature prominently on the primary ballot, with multiple contested Republican primaries across both counties.

In Mifflin County, Bratton Township voters face a three-way Republican primary between Kenneth Civitts, Heath Foster, and Kevin J. French. Brown Township Republicans will choose between Matthew Parkes and Steve Glick, while Decatur Township Republicans decide between Mike Cherry and Mark Wolfgang.

Granville Township features Lisa J. Swisher and Terry Stewart competing in the Republican primary. Union Township Republicans will select either Brian S. Glick or Ken Walters, and Wayne Township Republicans will choose between Ken A. Smith and Donald Gearhart.

Juniata County features four contested township supervisor races. Lack Township Republicans will decide between Nancy Campbell and Douglas R. Foster. Susquehanna Township Republicans choose between Stanley Ely and Jim Foose. Tuscarora Township Republicans will select either Lucas R. Bryner or Steven Leon Glatfelter. Walker Township features a contested race for a two-year supervisor term between Joel Bell and George M. Hazard Jr., while David W. Hostler runs unopposed for a full term.

Township supervisors manage road maintenance, land use planning, public safety services, and local ordinances. They also prepare and administer township budgets.

Beyond the sheriff’s race, Mifflin County features uncontested primaries for other county-wide positions. Diane L. Griffith appears unopposed on the Republican ballot for County Treasurer. Ellen Amspacker seeks the Republican nomination for Register and Recorder/Clerk of the Orphans Court without opposition.

Juniata County presents a similar pattern, with Republicans Joshua Stimeling for Sheriff, Alicia Anstine Seigler for Register & Recorder, and Laurie S. Hower for County Treasurer, all running unopposed in their primaries. No Democratic candidates filed for these positions.

The county treasurer manages public funds, collects certain taxes and fees, and disburses funds as authorized. The register and recorder maintains public records, including deeds, mortgages and wills.

Several municipal leadership positions appear on primary ballots across both counties.

Mayor

In Mifflin County, four mayoral races feature on the ballot. John F. Wagner seeks the Democratic nomination for Juniata Terrace Borough mayor. Republican mayoral candidates include Olivia J. Wyland for Burnham Borough, Deborah A. Bargo for Lewistown Borough, and Wilda Fisher for McVeytown Borough.

Juniata County features two contested mayoral races. Roxann McGinnis seeks the Republican nomination for Mifflintown Borough mayor, while Kenneth W. Hart runs for Thompsontown Borough mayor on the Republican ballot.

Borough Council

Borough council positions appear on ballots across both counties. Burnham Borough features two Republicans, Thomas Mason and Ashley A. Legradi, seeking two-year terms. Three Republicans–Matthew Deamer, Thomas E. Garver, and Robert Soccio–compete for four-year terms.

Juniata Terrace Borough has two Democrats, Heidi L. Traxler and Eric J. Rhodes, along with Republican Douglas N. Kepner, seeking four-year council terms. Lewistown Borough features Republicans Lisa A. Knudson and Scott Gutshall, while McVeytown Borough has Republican Paul K. Gruber.

In Juniata County, Thompsontown Borough has four Republican candidates for council: Nathan Claybaugh, Connie M. Eaton, Martin L. Wilson, Jr. (who also appears on the Democratic ballot), and Willard I. Roush. Port Royal Borough features Republican Glenda Leister seeking a council position.

Mayors and council members establish municipal policies, oversee local services, and manage borough finances and personnel.

Tax collector

Tax collector positions feature several contested primaries in Mifflin County.

Burnham Borough Republicans will choose between Todd W. Treaster and Christine L. Wolfkiel. Derry Township Republicans face a choice between Bret Treaster and Pamela S. Eberman. Lewistown Borough Republicans will select either Erin Anewalt or Lynda S. Long.

Other municipalities feature uncontested tax collector races, with Republican candidates including Crystal Heister (Armagh Township), Sharina Harshbarger (Bratton Township), Cheryl Hartzler (Brown Township), Cindy L. McKnight (Decatur Township), Billi J. Weaver (Granville Township), Brooke Knable (McVeytown Borough), Cheyne Lyter (Menno Township), Melody A. Kane (Newton Hamilton Borough), Sherry L. Miller (Oliver Township), Herb Zook (Union Township), and Mary Ellen Reed (Wayne Township).

In Juniata County, tax collector candidates include Republicans Nancy E. Diem (Delaware Township), Beverly E. Richmond (Fayette Township), Carol L. Walters (Fermanagh Township), Teresa A. Hoffman (Greenwood Township), Mariah Huff (Mifflin Borough), Michele Ebright (Monroe Township), Megan F. Miller (Port Royal Borough), Patricia K. Stong (Spruce Hill Township), Holly M. Flowers (Susquehanna Township), Martha J. Stouffer (Turbett Township), Joe Parson (Tuscarora Township), and Shirley K. Hostler (Walker Township). Democrat Vicki Shellenberger seeks the nomination for Mifflintown Borough tax collector.

Tax collectors receive tax payments, maintain records of payments and delinquencies, and provide reports to municipalities and school districts.

Superior Court

Voters in both counties will also select nominees for statewide judicial positions.

For Superior Court, Democrats will choose Brandon Neuman of Washington County. Republicans face a choice between Maria Battista of Clarion County and Ann Marie Wheatcraft of Chester County.

For Commonwealth Court, Democrats will select Stella Tsai of Philadelphia County. Republicans will choose between Matt Wolford of Erie County and Josh Prince of Berks County.

The Superior Court hears appeals in criminal and civil cases from the Court of Common Pleas. The Commonwealth Court primarily handles cases involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies.

Many election administration positions appear on primary ballots, including the judge of elections and inspector of elections for various precincts.

Elections

In Mifflin County, Republican candidates for judge of elections include Rex Barr (Armagh East), Mary L. Kibe (Armagh West), Christopher F. Simone (Bratton Township), Jo Ann Smith (Brown/Big Valley), Tina K. Goss (Decatur East), Elaine J. Wagner (Decatur West), Jordan T. Crawford (Derry East), Michael Lee Bair (Lewistown South), C. Jill Welsh (McVeytown Borough), Julie Yoder (Oliver Township), Ronald A. Byler (Union Township), and Linda Forgy (Wayne Township). Democratic candidates include Beverly F. Berich (Derry West Township), Dee Ann Fisher (Derry South), Joyce Fisher Rupert (Granville East), and Penelope J. Hartman (Lewistown North).

Inspector of elections positions feature candidates from both parties across various precincts.

In Juniata County, Democratic candidates for judge of elections include Linda E. Partner (Beale Township) and Rosalind L. Shoop (Tuscarora Township – East Waterford District). Republican candidates include Joy R. Watts (Fayette Township), Tammy S. Brackbill (Spruce Hill Township), and Traci L. Fowler (Tuscarora Township – Tuscarora District).

Inspector of elections candidates in Juniata County include Democrats Helen W. Henry (Beale Township), Elizabeth Anne Naugle (Lack Township), Danny J. Martin (Monroe Township), Linda M. Leahy (Tuscarora Township – East Waterford District), and Daryl L. Best (Tuscarora Township – Tuscarora District). Republican candidates include Janet M. Dietrich (Beale Township), Doris E. Watts (Fayette Township), Jane B. Shearer (Lack Township), Tina M. Shoop (Spruce Hill Township), Nancy Elder (Thompsontown Borough), Dolores R. Love (Tuscarora Township – East Waterford District), and Kelly Henry (Tuscarora Township – Tuscarora District).

These election officials manage polling places, ensure proper voting procedures, and count votes at their assigned precincts.

Auditor

Township and borough auditor positions appear on primary ballots, though many remain without candidates.

In Mifflin County, Kevin L. Doebler seeks the Republican nomination for Derry Township auditor. Bradley O. Yoder is running for Menno Township auditor on the Republican ballot. Tara L. McCarl and Crystal M Sunderland seek Republican nominations for Oliver Township auditor positions with six-year and four-year terms, respectively. Lisa Rhone appears on the Democratic ballot for Wayne Township auditor.

Juniata County features several auditor candidates, including Republicans Kimberly A. Hart (Delaware Township), Audrey P. Rowles (Lack Township), Kathy Singer (Mifflintown Borough), David W. Cisney (Milford Township), Geraldine Hancock (Tuscarora Township), Tammy Marshall (Walker Township), and Martin Dreibelbis (Walker Township – 4-year term). Democrats David N. Supplee (Fermanagh Township – 4-year term) and Spencer McLaughlin (Milford Township – 4-year term) also appear on the ballot. Logan Kehler seeks the Republican nomination for Mifflintown Borough auditor for a 2-year term.

Auditors examine the financial records of municipalities to ensure proper handling of public funds.

Constable

Two candidates seek constable positions in Mifflin County. Dennis Wert and Adam Gearhart both appear on the Republican ballot for Lewistown Borough constable, a position with a six-year term.

Constables serve warrants, transport prisoners, and provide security at district courts.

The May 20 primary election will determine party nominees for many positions across Mifflin and Juniata counties. While some races feature multiple candidates competing for nominations, others have single candidates or no candidates at all.

The primary results will shape the November general election ballot when voters make final decisions on who will serve in these positions. Many cross-filed candidates who secure both party nominations in the primary will effectively win their races, as they will appear unopposed on the November ballot.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters must cast ballots at their assigned polling places. They can only vote in their registered party’s primary under Pennsylvania’s closed primary system.

For more information about polling places, voter registration status, or mail-in voting, voters can contact their county election office or visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website.