A 3-member town council governs the Town of Cynthiana. This council exercises the legislative function of the town. The salaries of the council members are set by ordinance as are all salaries and wages of town officials and employees (IC 36-5-3-2). The council chooses from its members a president who conducts meetings, performs various other executive functions, and is designated as the town executive (IC 36-5-2-7). The members fix the president’s term, but it cannot exceed the term of office for the council member. Council members must reside in the town from which they are elected. Their office must be forfeited if that residency is not maintained.

State laws govern the general powers of the council; the methods through which the powers are exercised are left largely to the council to determine by ordinance. The powers of the town council are, in most cases, those powers given to the town government generally.

The town’s appointed officials may be numerous if the councils have chosen to create, by ordinance, any of the various boards, commission and authorities authorized by statute, but usually the major appointments are the town marshal and town attorney.

The next election for town officials (Town Council and Clerk Treasurer) will be held in November 2022, with the elected officials taking office in January 2023. Elections are conducted when any council member and/or clerk treasurer have opposition; if there is no opposition, a Town Election will not be conducted and the current elected officials are reinstated.

Anyone wishing to register to vote may pick up a form at the Cynthiana Town Hall or use the link provided below to print a copy of the Voter’s Registration Form.