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Sheriff, Hancock County

Vote for
1
Term
4 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff is the county's chief law enforcement officer; the sheriff's office also collects property taxes and serves court papers.

Open seat: Sheriff Dale Bozarth is not on the ballot.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Billy BurtonRepublican

    • Pledges improvements within the department's existing budget

  • Aaron J. EmmickDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Public safety

  • Billy BurtonRepublican

    • Pledges more deputies on patrol and proactive policing
    • Pledges two deputies on shift around the clock
    • Supports body-worn cameras and Flock license-plate readers

  • Aaron J. EmmickDemocratic

    • Pledges more deputies for coverage and visibility
    • Supports body-worn cameras and a drone for searches

Government & transparency

  • Billy BurtonRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Aaron J. EmmickDemocratic

    • Proposes a citizens' police academy and more community outreach

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 3 issues covered in this race.