For many villages and towns across Cole County, the April election will present a straightforward vote.
Across Centertown, St. Martins, Wardsville, Taos and Russellville, there is only one candidate who isn't an incumbent, and there won't be a single contested race.
The last day to file as a candidate in the April 4 election was Tuesday.
In Centertown, Debra Baker, Adam Brown and Heather Hunger are all running for re-election to their seats on the Board of Trustees. The Village of Centertown Board of Trustees serves a population of just under 300 people, according to 2021 census data.
In St. Martins, North Ward Alderman Scott Amos, South Ward Alderman Laura Boeckmann and Mayor Daryl Raithel are all running for re-election to the Board of Aldermen. The City of St. Martins Board of Aldermen serves about 1,200 people.
Chairman William "Bill" Gratz and Richard Taube are seeking re-election to Wardsville's Board of Trustees. The Village of Wardsville had a population of around 1,600 people in 2021.
In Taos, the two Board of Aldermen seats up for re-election won't even appear on the April ballot. With Ward 1 incumbent Wayne Thoenen and Ward 2 incumbent Bob Cynova running without contest, the races are won by default. The City of Taos had a little under 1,200 people as of 2021.
Russellville is the only municipality in the group that will see a new candidate on the ballot. Missy Smith will be running for the East Ward Alderman seat. Kevin Oetting, the former holder of the seat, has chosen not to run for re-election. Also in Russellville, West Ward Alderman/Mayor pro tem Ken Bishop is seeking re-election.
Russellville's Board of Aldermen represents a little under 800 people, according to 2021 census data.
Lohman and St. Thomas, two other municipalities in Cole County, do not have Boards of Trustees or Aldermen. As of 2021, Lohman had a population of 175 and St. Thomas had a population of 222.
The last day to register to vote in the April 4 election is March 8.