The 2016 race for one of the seats on the Lawrence County Commission may turn into a six-man contest, if all of those who picked up petitions end up filing.

On Oct. 8, Dave Lucas, Ohio University professor, picked up to run for the seat now held by commissioner Bill Pratt. Lucas is running as a Republican.

So far Pratt, also a Republican, is the only one to file, which he did on Sept. 25.

Right now Pratt and Lucas are the only two Republicans to pick up petitions.

The 2016 election would be Pratt’s second commission race. The Chesapeake dairy farmer was appointed to commission following the election of then commissioner Jason Stephens to county auditor.

However on the Democratic side there are four who have picked up, but haven’t filed. Former county commissioner Doug Malone and Elizabeth Township Trustee Ron Davis picked up in December. Ironton businessman Jon Ferguson picked up in May and Ironton businessman Tim Edwards picked up in July.

Candidates have until Dec. 16 to file to be on the primary ballot.