The primary election is a year away, but so far five, including the incumbent, appear to want one of the two open seats on the Lawrence County Commission that will be on the 2016 ballots.

Right now there are three Democrats and two Republicans who have picked up petitions to run for the seat currently held by Bill Pratt. On the Democrat side are former county commissioner Doug Malone, Elizabeth Township Trustee Ron Davis and businessman and former director of Ironton aLive Jon Ferguson.

The only other Republican who has picked up, besides Pratt, is former Ironton teacher and coach Charles Kitchen. This would be Pratt’s second four-year term. The Chesapeake dairy farmer and former Chesapeake school board member was appointed to Jason Stephens’ commission seat following Stephens’ election as county auditor in 2011.

The other commission seat that will be open in 2016 is currently held by president Les Boggs, who is trying for his third term. Right now only Boggs has picked up a petition.

So far the only other potentially contested election next year could be for the office of sheriff. Sheriff Jeff Lawless has picked up a petition to run again as a Republican for the office. Also picking up on the Republican side is Noah Simpkins, a Chesapeake police officer.

Candidates have until Dec. 9 to get on the March 8, 2016 primary ballot