A change in Nebraska law that puts only county offices with more than one candidate on the ballot has made the primary ballots in Dawes, Sioux, and Sheridan counties really thin this year.

None of the school boards, city councils, or village boards had enough candidates to require a primary election…several won’t have contested November races either…and each county has just 2 contested county races, all in the Republican primary.

In Dawes County, the races are for County Commissioner. In District 1, incumbent Jake Stewart is challenged by Wayne Fisher while District 2 has Vic Rivera taking on incumbent Stacy Swinney. Both Swinney and Steward are completing their first terms.

In Sheridan County, Sheriff Terry Robbins, who has served over 23 years, faces Deputy Scott DeCoste with Assessor Trudy Winter…completing her first term…challenged by Amanda Salisbury.

Sioux County has 4 candidates for 2 county commission seats, but unlike Dawes County, the Sioux County seats are at-large and voted on countywide.

The field includes one incumbent, Allerton Hal Downer, and 3 challengers…Dan Jordan, J-W Geiser, and Kelly Strain.

Regionally, there are 3 candidates for the non-partisan Upper Niobrara White Natural Resource District Subdistrict 4 seat…incumbent Tod Dorhorst, Tom Marcy and Brent Shaw. The top 2 vote-getters will advance to November.