Facsimiles of the ballots which Putnam voters will see on election day, May 12, or before (if one chooses to participate in the early voting option) can be found on Pages 8, 9 and 10.
On April 14, Putnam County Clerk Brian Wood reported 8,619 Democratic Party registrations, 20,299 Republican Party registrations, and 8,391 registrations without any party affiliation. Only registered Republicans may vote a Republican ballot. Both registered Democrats and registered no party affiliation voters may choose to vote a Democrat ballot. The Nonpartisan ballot is included as part of both the Democratic and Republican party ballots. All voters, with the exception of registered Democrats and registered Republicans may vote the Nonpartisan ballot as a separate ballot.
Some political commentators predicted that some non-affiliated voter would change their registration to Republican because the Republican ballots offer more choices than do Democratic ballots. These predicted changes have not come to be. Between September 3, 2025 and April 14, 2026, the number of non-affiliated voters increased from 8,336 to 8,391. During this same time period, Democratic registrations dropped from 8,864 to 8,619 (a loss of 245) while Republican registration increased by 507. These numbers suggest that non-affiliated voters have not switched. The increase in Republican registration appears to be linked to Democratic registration losses.
The last date upon which voters may register or change their party affiliation is April 21. The early voting period begins on Wednesday, April 22nd.
The Democratic ballot does not feature a single race for county office. The Republican ballot features Wesley Landers, Mike Stone, Zach Crede, and Doug Pierson against each other in a race to fill the seat on County Commission left vacant by the resignation of Steve Deweese.
The most interesting and competitive contest which will be decided on May 12th is for School Board. Registered voters of every registration must select three from a field of seven candidates.
