If the 2011 Butler County commissioners’ race is any indication, this year’s primary will be a tight one.

In 2011, there were six candidates vying for two Republican nominations.

Once voting ended in the May 2011 primary, only 856 votes separated first place from fifth before absentee ballots were counted.

Incumbent Commissioner Dale Pinkerton won the primary with 5,798 votes.

Bill McCarrier, who previously served a term in the late 1990s, secured second with 5,368 votes.

Jeff Smith, who subsequently became city treasurer, placed third with 5,322 votes — 46 votes behind McCarrier.

Kim Geyer, who later became McCarrier’s administrative assistant, was fourth with 5,205 votes.

Dr. William DiCuccio made fifth with 4,942 votes.

The final GOP candidate, Margaret Abersold, who later became Commissioner Jim Eckstein’s administrative assistant, received 1,673 votes.

Once the 292 Republican absentee ballots were counted, the nominees did not change.

McCarrier’s lead extended to 75 votes.

For the May 19 primary, there are 10 Republicans seeking nominations. Smith and Geyer are running again while McCarrier and Pinkerton are not.

The other GOP candidates are James Butler, Jim Keffalas, Mark Lux, Lisa Metcalfe, Bob O’Neill, Leslie Osche, Larry Thompson and Justin Trainor.

Ed Natali, chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee, expects this year’s primary to be another close race.

Natali said the votes will be spread out with so many people running for commissioner.

“The top vote-getter could be under 4,000 votes easy,” he said.

Natali stressed that’s why it’s important for people to vote in the primary.

On the other party ticket, there are four Democrats running for commissioner.

Along with incumbent Eckstein, the candidates are Kevin Boozel, Dave Johnston and Jerry Johnston.

Georgiann Kerr, chairwoman of the Butler County Democratic Committee, said four candidates are enough to stretch the votes out.

“I think it will be close,” Kerr said. “The Democrats have to get out and vote.”