Fayette County Clerk Announces Filing Period for 2026 Local Elections

CONNERSVILLE, IN — Fayette County Clerk Dawn Hughes is helping local residents prepare for the 2026 election cycle by releasing the preliminary list of offices up for election. While the primary is still months away, Hughes is encouraging potential candidates to begin familiarizing themselves with the upcoming deadlines and requirements for filing.

According to the official 2026 Indiana Election Calendar, the window for candidates to officially declare their intent to run opens in early January.

Important Filing Dates For those seeking a major political party nomination (Democratic or Republican) in the primary, the following dates are critical:

January 7, 2026: First day a declaration of candidacy can be filed.
February 6, 2026: Filing deadline (strictly at noon local time).
May 5, 2026: Primary Election Day.

Local Offices on the 2026 Ballot A wide range of local positions will be decided by Fayette County voters in 2026. The list of offices up for election includes several county-wide roles: Superior Court Judge, Prosecutor, Clerk, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Assessor.

In addition to county-wide leadership, voters will select representatives for Commissioner District 1 and County Council Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4. Education will also be on the ballot with seats for the Fayette County School Board in Districts 3 and 4.

The 2026 election will also see a focus on township leadership. Residents will vote for both the Trustee and Board members in Columbia, Connersville, Fairview, Jackson, Jennings, Harrison, Posey, Orange, and Waterloo townships.

How to File for Office Clerk Dawn Hughes recommends that anyone interested in running for office come into the Clerk’s office to pick up the necessary paperwork and a candidate guide. “I recommend that anyone interested in running for office come by and see us at the courthouse so we can get you the right forms and the information you need to get started,” Hughes said.

The Clerk’s Office is located inside the Fayette County Courthouse: