Some area election-watchers have said, in this part of Indiana, “THE ELECTION IS the primary.” The reasoning behind this bold statement is found by simply looking at election results over the years. There are clearly exceptions to this. Frankfort has elected Independents and Democrat Mayors several times. Others can cite numerous Clinton County elections that prove this theory false.
Another way to look at this same point is simply “Do not underestimate the importance of a primary election in this part of Indiana”
Clinton County has 20,290 registered voters in this year’s primary election, according to Clinton County Clerk Stephanie Harshbarger. In the 2022 primary, about 4,400 registered voters in Clinton County cast a ballot. In the same general election in 2022, 7,400 votes were cast. Candidates in the primary on the Republican Ticket in this part of the state often find it easy to win in the General election. This is NOT always true, but it simply points to a recurring theme: Primary elections matter. Primary elections matter a lot.
- Registered Voters in Clinton County: 20,290 (Registration for 2026 closed April 6)
- Typical Turnout in a Clinton County Primary: 4,400 (2022)
- Typical Turnout in a Clinton County General: 7,400 (2022)
The polls are notably busier this 2026 primary election compared to prior elections, according to Clinton County Clerk Stephanie Harshbarger. At this time in 2022, only 447 voters cast a 2022 primary vote in Clinton County. In 2026, using the same date, an impressive 56% increase has been recorded so far, with 701 votes as of the same date. (These numbers were as of close of day Friday)
– Photo courtesy of Clinton County Government
Harshbarger is holding an evening meeting for poll workers today. She will review proper procedures for all poll to insure a correct and efficient election in Clinton County.
Asked what she would like people to know about this upcoming election, she said “If you want a say in your local government, vote!”
Statistically your primary vote, candidate by candidate, has a lot of sway in a primary election. This is easily found by looking at the data gathered from prior primary and general elections.
So far, it looks like Clinton County is off to a good start.
Click link below for Candidate list and Vote Center Information as already published in Clinton County Daily News:
Clinton County Releases 2026 Primary Election Candidate List and Vote Center Information