Election Alert: Key Insights for May 20 Primary Votes in Franklin County

The Franklin County Republican voters will get the chance to vote in several competitive contests during the upcoming municipal primary election on Tuesday.

Democrats will similarly put forward nominees to advance to the general election in November; however, this year sees very little rivalry.

The county’s 73 polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Individuals using mail-in or absentee ballots must ensure their votes are submitted by 8 p.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg (if sent through regular mail, it may not arrive in time).

In Pennsylvania, only voters registered as either Republicans or Democrats are eligible to participate in primary elections. In Franklin County, the number of Republican registrants significantly surpasses that of Democratic registrants.

To verify your voter registration, locate your polling station, or get additional relevant details, visit Visit franklincountypa.gov, select the "Departments" tab, and subsequently click on "Elections and Voter Registration."

Below is an overview of the races and candidates who will be featured on primary ballots in Franklin County.

Chambersburg area

In the Republican primary for positions on the Chambersburg Area School District's Board of Directors, there are two races currently under contention.

John J. Patterson is running against the current representative Faye Gaugler to serve as Region 1's voice. This encompasses Letterkenny and Lurgan townships along with the third and sixth precincts within Greene Township. As the current vice president of the school board and an incumbent looking for another four-year term as director, Gaugler has also entered the Democratic primary race—assuring herself a spot in the general election regardless of the outcome.

Candidate Amy Weibley has also chosen to compete in both primary elections with the aim of representing Region 4, encompassing Chambersburg 5-1 and the initial voting district of Guilford Township. Gary Piper is set to go up against her. for the Republican nomination.

The current Region 4 Director, Lance Walker, chose not to run for re-election.

Sherian Diller is uncontested for her bid to secure a second term in Region 3, and nobody has come forward to challenge Edward Norcross as he aims for his fourth term representing Region 6.

Chambersburg Borough Council has a single contest in the Republican primary. In the second ward, incumbent Tom Newcomer faces opposition from Austin Rosenbaum. Shannon M. Jackson stands as the sole Democratic contender.

In each of the remaining four wards, the current officeholders are unchallenged in the Republican primary (with appointee Jamie Boden also seeking a two-year term in the fourth ward). Their potential opponents in the general election will be Democrats who are running without competition this round.

In the Republican primary for township supervisor roles, several candidates are running: Jeff Rockwell and Russell Lake in Hamilton Township, as well as Bruce Adams and Brian Zimmerman in Lurgan.

Greencastle area

In Greencastle or Antrim Township, the sole contest is for the position of township tax collector, where two Republicans are vying against each other. Neither Democrats nor Republicans have put forth competitors for seats on the Greencastle Borough Council, the Greencastle-Antrim school board, or as Antrim Township supervisors.

Mercersburg area

In the upcoming Republican primary for the Tuscarora school board, five contenders are vying for four spots that lead to the general election. These candidates include Mary Sue Hartman, Kevin R. Hoffman, Jack Hawbaker, Devin Rotz, and Erich E. Hawbaker. Additionally, both Jack Hawbaker and Devin Rotz will be featured on the Democratic party’s ballot papers.

Waynesboro area

The Borough of Waynesboro has multiple contests for Republican candidates aiming at positions on the Borough Council and for Mayor.

Dade Royer, who currently represents the first ward on council, is running for mayor against Douglas Carranza. There are no Democratic candidates, so the winner of the primary will effectively win the position.

For Borough Council, Todd Blake and Janeen McChesney are vying to represent the first ward and Brandon Boldyga and Ascohi Helman will compete in the second ward. Randy Schriver is the only candidate in the third ward.

The GOP candidate for the one Washington Township seat will be determined in the primary, with voters choosing between Lindsay Weaver and Steven McRae. No Democrats are running for the township school board seat.

In the Borough of Waynesboro, there are two Republican contenders for two positions: Shane Harkins and Bradley Kiracofe. There are no Democratic candidates participating.

In Quincy Township, Richard Wagaman is running against Alan Peck for the position of township supervisor.

Amber South can be contacted via email at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.

The article was initially published in the Chambersburg Public Opinion. An election is scheduled for May 20: Important details about local primaries in Franklin County