Bartholomew County voters will have an effect on three races for the Indiana statehouse, when they cast ballots next week.

The largest part of the county is represented in Indiana House District 59, which has been held by Republican State Rep. Milo Smith of Columbus. But Smith decided not to seek re-election, leading to a wide open race for the seat. Five Republicans are actively campaigning for the seat and two Democrats. Republicans John Counceller, JoAnne Flohr, Ryan Lauer, Allen Smith and Lew Wilson are running to face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November general election. That will be either Mary Kohen or Dale Nowlin.

In northeastern Bartholomew County, Republican State Rep. Sean Eberhart of Shelbyville is running for re-election against Luke Campbell for the House District 57 seat. And in very southern Bartholomew County some voters will be helping choose the winner of the House 69 District race, where Republican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour  is running for re-election against Nancy Franke and Charles Johnson. The winner of the Republican primary will be facing Democrat Steve Schoettmer in the fall.

Bartholomew County voters will have two State Senate races on their ballot, with both being unopposed in the primary. Republican Sen. Greg Walker is running for re-election in District 41. He will face Democrat Ross Thomas in the fall election. Republican Sen. Chip Perfect is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 8th.