Registered Democrats will not have a primary election for county commissioner candidates. Only three will be on November’s ballot, incumbents William Pickrum and Ron Fithian and newcomer Steve Atkinson of Chestertown. On the Republican side, the commissioner field grew to five hopefuls for three ballot slots. William “Willie” Gale and William “Billy” Short have joined Tim Lloyd, Walter Coryell and Alex Rasin. The primary will shorten the list to three.

Five school board candidates are contesting two seats. Both incumbents decided to retire. A primary will eliminate one of the five for November’s general election. Jeff Reed filed to run in June and Dawn Graney filed her papers in May. Since July 1, former school board member Brian Kirby, Deeann Jones, and Eleanor Collyer have joined the contest.

John Thomas Fitzpatrick, of Chestertown, filed at the last minute as a Republican opponent to Clerk of the Circuit Court Mark Mumford who is a Democrat. Other local incumbents are unopposed.

For the 36th District, two Democrats are opposing state Senator E.J. Pipkin: Robert Alt of Elkton and Steven Mumford of Chestertown. Alt and Mumford will face off in the September 14 primary election. Pipkin will face Republican challenger Donald Alcorn of Queenstown.

Delegate Dick Sossi gained a last-minute primary challenger in Stephen S. Hersey Jr. of Queenstown.

For the 1st District Congressional seat, incumbent Democrat Frank Kratovil is unchallenged by Democrats. On the Republican side, state Senator Andy Harris faces Rob Fisher of Salisbury and John Roberts of Arnold.

Anyone who wants to vote must register by August 24. Voters also have until the same day to change their party affiliation in order to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Kent’s elections office is at 135 Dixon Drive, Chestertown. Regular weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone 410-778-0038 with questions, or check the website ww.kentcountyelections.org.