MARIETTA, OK-- Citizens of Love county will head to the polls for the primary election Tuesday June 26. One of the biggest races, the race for sheriff and since there are no republicans running, whichever democrat wins the primary wins the office.

Both candidates facing off in this year's love county sheriff race are love county natives, incumbent sheriff Joe Russell.

" I've heard it all my life, if it's not broke don't fix it and that's the way I feel about the sheriff's office" said Russell.

And rancher Bob Burkhart.

"What you see with me is what you get, I'll tell you tomorrow what I tell you today I don't change" said Burkhart.

Sheriff Russell has almost 20 years of law enforcement experience in love county including 12 as sheriff. He said since he has been sheriff the crime rate has dropped.

"Continue working on drugs and taking our calls and working on burglaries and assisting people and helping people" said Russell.

Burkhart has 37 years of law enforcement experience and started his career in Fort Worth Texas.

"I was a robbery homicide detective spent a little over 13 years there I was one of the original members of the crime scene search unit which now today on TV is called crime scene investigation" said Burkhart.

Burkart said if elected he'll address citizens' concerns about the way current law enforcement responds to calls.

"They will call nobody shows up, no one investigates, if elected, people will show up and it will be investigated " said Burkhart.

Sheriff Russell said his deputies do respond to each and every call and they can prove it.

"The reports we've took as of today this year is 176 reports that we have filled out and have worked" said Russell.

Both candidates said it would be a privilege to serve the people of love county.

"I don't know if the people want me or not that's okay but I am going to give them the best I can if elected" said Burkhart.

"I enjoy doing stuff for people and if I can continue it I'd love to continue it and I loved to continue it and just keep being sheriff" said Russell.

For transportation to vote contact the love Co. sheriff's department

PRIMARY ELECTION - June 26
Last day to register to vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday, June 1
Last time to request absentee ballot . . . . . . . . . Wednesday, June 20, 5 PM
Early voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday, June 22, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday, June 23, 8 AM - 1 PM
Monday, June 25, 8 AM - 6 PM