ATHENS, Ohio — A handful of folks have filed as write-in candidates to run for office in this year’s general election, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The deadline to file as a write-in was Monday, Aug. 25. Write-in candidates do not circulate petitions to run for office, according to the Ohio Secretary of State. Rather, they submit a declaration of intent to the board of elections.
Votes for write-in candidates do not count unless candidates file declarations of intent, according to Ohio Revised Code.
Amesville
Christopher Payne filed to run as a write-in for Amesville Village Council, for a term that begins Jan. 1, 2026, and ends Dec. 31, 2030.
Albany
Sandi Rehl filed to run as a write-in candidate for Albany Village Council. Rehl’s form did not include the seat’s term dates.
Bern Township
Benjamin Kasler filed to run as a write-in candidate for Bern Township Trustee, for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Buchtel
Thomas Bradley filed to run as a write-in for Buchtel Village Council, for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Nelsonville
Nelsonville’s election this year has a lot of moving parts. Issue 23, which voters adopted in November 2024, abolished the city charter, effective Jan. 1, 2026. But some charter-based council seats’ terms expire Nov. 30. The solution: One month council terms, Dec. 1–31.
The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a suit to remove Issue 23-based positions from the ballot; the city has since asked the court to reconsider the dismissal, which the court granted.
In the meantime, Issue 23, its 2026 races and the election are moving ahead.
Current council member Cory Taylor filed a write-in petition for the council’s open seat, an unexpired term ending Dec. 31.
Current council member Nic Joseph Saul filed a write-in petition for a full term based upon the city charter, starting Dec. 1.
McCray Powell, who is currently serving as interim treasurer, also filed to run for a regular, charter-based full term, beginning Dec. 1. He told the Independent that he not going to seek election for the treasurer position.
Whether those charter-based seats will be available is up to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Current City Manager Fred Holmes and former council Vice President Nancy Sonick filed to run as write-in candidates for mayor. The mayor’s term starts Jan. 1, 2026.
Brian Elkins filed to run as a write-in for treasurer, with the term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Nicholas Smith filed to run as a write-in for auditor, with the term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Sue Powell, a former council member and city auditor, filed as a write-in candidate to run for a council term beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Powell sued the city in 2024, alleging that she was wrongfully removed from the council.
Rome Township
Clarence Bowers filed to run as a write-in candidate for Rome Township Trustees, for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Other candidates
Voters in Federal Hocking Local Schools Board of Education will choose three members of the board of education. Sara Brumfield is the only incumbent seeking re-election. Other candidates are Ronda Clark, Jeremy Miller, Mary Mitchell, Gem Stone and Angela Williams.
Aaron Tate, who was appointed to the board in January to replace the late Lester Green, seeks election for a full term. Kizzi Elmore-Clark also is running for that position.
Three seats on Trimble Local Schools Board of Education are on the November ballot. President Gary Arnold and incumbents Kevin Coey and John Standley all seek re-election. Carl Fouts is challenging for one of the seats.
The document on its website does not include the following candidates (primary winners, Independents and write-ins), whose petitions have also been certified:
Athens
- City Council 1st Ward (open): Megan Leah Almeida.
- City Council 2nd Ward (open): John Staser.
- City Council 3rd Ward: Michael Wood (incumbent).
- City Council 4th Ward: Alan Swank (incumbent).
- City Council At-Large (three seats): Beth Clodfelter (incumbent), Paul Isherwood, Jessica Thomas (incumbent).
- City Council President: Micah McCarey.
- City Treasurer: Joshua Thomas (incumbent).
Nelsonville
- Auditor: Andrea Nicole Thompson-Hashman.
- Council at-large: Jessica Hollenbaugh.
- Mayor: Jonathan Flowers.
- President of Council: Daniel L. Sherman.
More information
The deadline to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 6. Visit the Athens County Board of Elections for more information on registering and voting.
The board of elections’ next regular meeting is set for Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the board office, 15 S. Court St. #130, Athens.
Note: This story has been updated since initial publication to correct the seats that Powell and Joseph Saul are seeking. We apologize for the error. A typo has also been corrected.
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