With the primary election coming up on Tuesday, time is winding down for the three men seeking the Republican nomination for Coles County Sheriff.

Candidates Darrell Cox, Steve Darimont and John Hampton have all reached out to public through speeches, fundraisers, door-to-door campaigning, and newspaper and radio advertisements.

Hampton, a patrol officer at Lake Land College and a former deputy with the sheriff’s department, believes the position has become very political, and he hopes to be a sheriff who listens to the people.

“The biggest thing I can offer is access to the community,” Hampton said. “For too long the sheriff has not really been available to the public.”

With 11 years in law enforcement, Hampton has far less experience than his opponents but claims the sheriff should be someone who is still an active officer, “not someone who has been in the office for 20 or 30 years and is ready to be the boss.”

Cox said he is the best man for the job because, as the department’s current chief deputy, he has experience working with a budget. Cox also said he believes that because he is a lifelong Charleston resident, he is in touch with the community.

According to Cox, his opponents’ proposals to expand the department’s jail through grants are impractical. He instead hopes to expedite the trial process to reduce inmate’s jail time and eliminate the need for expansion.

Cox also promises to improve upon rural patrol and to be impartial between Charleston residents and Eastern students.

Darimont, a captain in the department, has presented himself as a family man looking to provide all families in Coles County with a safe environment. Darimont’s campaign has emphasized improving the county’s issues with methamphetamine.

“I want everyone educated to the poison that threatens our families,” Darimont said. “When that fails, I believe in rehabilitation . But, when those two things fail, then I believe in incarceration.”

Like Cox, Darimont hopes to improve rural patrol and to reallocate resources so deputies may spend more time in the community.

“I feel very good,” Darimont said. “The response to what I’ve been saying has been overwhelming and humbling. People have been very kind and very supportive.”

One man with a vested interest in the happenings of March 21 is Charles “Chub” Conner, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Conner believes the primary will be an important indicator for him, as well as the Republican candidates.

“The primary election is extremely important because it gives you an impression of how much support you have,” he said.