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Clerk of the Circuit Court · Montgomery County · 2026 Primary
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the chief record-keeper for the county, managing all court documents for civil and criminal cases as well as property deeds and land records. This official is also responsible for issuing marriage and business licenses and swearing in various public officials. By overseeing these administrative functions, the Clerk ensures that legal records are accurately maintained and that essential government services are accessible to the public.
View all candidates in this raceKaren Bushell was appointed clerk of Montgomery County Circuit Court in April 2021 following the retirement of Barbara Meiklejohn on March 31. She has worked in the Montgomery County court system for more than 20 years, including time spent working for Judges Katherine Savage and Nelson Rupp. After serving as chief deputy clerk under Meiklejohn since her 2014 election, Bushell was appointed to the position when Meiklejohn retired. In July 2022, she won the Democratic primary against challenger Alan Bowser with 68.70% of early voting and reporting precincts. She manages a staff of 190 employees and is responsible for issuing writs, accounting and disbursement of funds, marriage and business licenses, collections and processing court filings.
Bushell was appointed clerk following the retirement of Barbara Meiklejohn who had held the job since 2014. She plans to run for a full term in 2022 after finishing out Meiklejohn's term which runs through next year. In July 2022, Bushell led challenger Alan Bowser in the Democratic primary with 38,620 votes (68.70%) to Bowser's 17,599 votes (31.30%). Bushell has not filed for election yet as of April 2021.