The votes tallied in the May 20 primary race will help choose the next two Common Pleas Court judges and play a critical part in determining who will serve next on dozens of Butler County area school boards, councils and in other municipal leadership roles.

The two 10-year terms for the Common Pleas Court judges are open this election season due to Judge Timothy McCune’s end-of-the-year retirement and a new seventh judge position created by Act 58 of 2023.

Matthew McCune of Butler Township and John Scialabba of Cranberry Township will appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballot, while Jim Insco and Jake Roberts, both of Adams Township, will appear only on the Republican ballot. Two will move forward to the November election from each the Republican and Democratic ballots.

School board races are contested in Butler Area, Seneca Valley, Mars Area, Slippery Rock Area, Moniteau, Karns City Area, Knoch and Freeport school districts with some candidates appearing on one ballot and others cross-filing to appear on both.

The primary election will also play a role in determining the next Butler County coroner. John Hanovick, Korynne Young and Braden Fox are competing on the Republican ballot. No Democratic candidates are on the ballot.

Seats on state level courts are in play this year at both the Commonwealth and Superior court level.

Before casting a ballot, learn more about the candidates and the issues they’ll be looking to address below. This will be updated with dozens of preview stories between now and the Primary Election on May 20.

– 4 compete on Republican ticket for Common Pleas Court judge seats

– 3 Butler County coroner candidates explain why they should be elected

— Butler mayoral race: Councilman Shearer challenges Mayor Dandoy

— Butler Area sees 6 candidates compete for school board seats in primary election

— 2 Seneca Valley school board seats contested in May primary, 3 new faces likely to join board

– About the job: Current Butler County coroner explains what the job entails

— 3 newcomers in running for Butler City Council

—2 running for Clay Township supervisor seat

– Longtime Clinton Township supervisor sees challenge in upcoming primary

— Connoquenessing Township supervisor seat up for grabs

— Cypher challenged for Jefferson Township supervisor spot

— 2 vie for Lancaster Township supervisor seat

– 2 compete for one open Marion Township supervisor seat

— 3 run for open Oakland Township tax collector position

– New faces likely coming to Saxonburg Council

— 2 candidates running to replace retired Winfield Township tax collector

— 2 run for open Winfield Township supervisor seat

– View your ballot

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– Know the deadlines

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