Decision Day is upon us!

MANCHESTER — With Election Day just around the corner, Clay County is gearing up for what is shaping up to be a high-interest and highly competitive May Primary.

Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, following early voting May 14–16, to decide a number of key races that will help shape the county’s leadership moving forward.

From courthouse offices to city government, this year’s ballot is packed with contested races, particularly at the magistrate, constable and city council levels, where voters will have a direct say in local representation. 

Magistrate Races Draw Strong Interest

All six magistrate districts feature contested races, with incumbents facing challengers across the county.

• District 1: Incumbent Russell “Rabbitt” Smith is challenged by Earl “Country Earl” Owens.
• District 2: Incumbent Sonya Hoskins-Gray faces Chris Reid and William “Bill” Scalf in a three-way race.
• District 3: Incumbent Sonny Gay is opposed by Ben Burkhart and Glenn Smith.
• District 4: One of the largest fields on the ballot, incumbent Chris Smith faces Jamie Jackson, Michael Smith, Marty Davis and Cecil Wagers.
• District 5: Incumbent Jerry Combs is challenged by Glenn Ray Henson and Mike Davis.
• District 6: Incumbent Bill Warren faces Jason Smith.

These races are expected to be closely watched, as magistrates play a key role in county budgeting, infrastructure decisions and local policy.

Constable Races Vary Across Districts

Constable races across Clay County range from uncontested to multi-candidate matchups:

• District 1: Incumbent Tyrone Salyers is challenged by Roy “Little Bit” Hubbard and Michael Wagers.
• District 2: Incumbent Anthony Wagers is unopposed.
• District 3: Incumbent Harvey Dean Collins faces Jimmy “Bucky” Smith.
• District 4: Incumbent Elvis Smith is challenged by Eugene Jackson.
• District 5: Incumbent Bent Couch is unopposed.
• District 6: Incumbent Richard Brian Hubbard faces Paul Collins and Rodney Bowling.

Other Key Races on the Ballot

In addition to local district races, voters will also weigh in on several countywide positions:

• County Judge-Executive: Tommy Harmon (incumbent), Scotty Smith (R) meet in the primary election.
• Sheriff: Patrick Robinson (incumbent) is unopposed.
• County Clerk: Beverly Craft (R, incumbent), Jackson Gates (D) Nov. General Election.
• Jailer: Linda Smallwood (incumbent), Mark Jackson (R), Darrell Mills (R).
• County Attorney: Joseph White (incumbent) is unopposed.
• County Coroner: Jason Abner (incumbent), Michael Caudill, Kathy Couch-Hicks
• Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): Paul Durham (incumbent) is unopposed.

Where to Vote

Polling locations across Clay County include:

Manchester – Clay County Middle School
Garrard & Whites Branch – Paces Creek Elementary
East Manchester – Clay County Administration Building
Big Creek – Big Creek Elementary
Harts Branch – Beech Creek Campground Store
Greenbriar – Manchester Elementary
Allen & Oneida – Oneida Elementary
South Fork – Oneida Fire Department
Pin Hook – Clay County Vocational School
Flat Creek – Flat Creek Voting Booth
Goose Rock & Bright Shade – Goose Rock Elementary
Horse Creek & Pigeon Roost – EKU Manchester Campus
Portersburg – Hacker Fire Department
Fogertown – Fogertown Fire Department
Burning Springs & Sextons Creek – Burning Springs Elementary