Do you have a primary in your area? Early voting has begun; recommended candidates
We need to increase turnout in local elections; good representation starts at the local level
Note: Scroll all the way through this newsletter to find recommended candidates in Johnson County & Wichita. Hoping to provide info on other areas in November or possibly before the Aug 1 primary.
Election Day is August 1 — Early voting has begun
Don’t sit out the primary and don’t let your friends/neighbors sit out the primary. Low voter turnout is the main reason we often don’t end up with great choices on the November ballot. We can change that!
Do your friends know there is a primary happening?
I’ve heard from volunteers out knocking doors that many voters did not know there was an election happening right now. Each of us can make a difference by making sure our contacts know about this August primary and why it is so important.
Don’t be afraid to talk about the act of voting. It’s not political. Many people appreciate the help—knowing about early voting options, how to find a sample ballot, and so on.
Primary elections are critical
The extremely low turnout we see in primaries makes it clear that most people don’t understand why it’s just as important to vote in primaries as it is to vote in the November general election.
Primaries are our opportunity to have a say in who ends up on our November ballot.
Too many people rely upon others to make these decisions for them. Good candidates can’t make it to the November ballot without more voters turning out.
Local elections are critical
There are often more decisions made at the local level that impact our every day lives than those at the state or federal level. And in recent years, we’ve seen how important our local officials are in times of divisiveness when it comes to public health and protecting our public schools.
Do you have a primary in your area?
Start here. Are you in one of these counties or do you know someone in one of these counties?
Use KSBallot.org to see if your area has a primary:
Type in an address and click on Get Started
Click on Research My Ballot
If this message pops up, you don’t have a primary to vote in this year. Although, you might double check on the Secretary of State’s Voter View to see if a sample ballot is shown there.
If you have a primary, you will see the offices on your ballot on the left side of the screen. Click on those races to see the candidates on your ballot. And then MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE!
You can also use tools in KSBallot.org to find your Election Day polling location and early voting times and locations.
Wichita / Olathe / Olathe School District / Lawrence School District — everyone has something on their ballot
All of you should be voting and getting your friends in these areas out to vote!!
School board races in Wichita & Olathe are particularly concerning.
Wichita At-Large School Board Race
One of the candidates (Brent Davis) supported the push to expand vouchers and promotes Kansas Policy Institute (KPI) events and organizations. KPI consistently works to undermine our public schools.
Another (Jacob Bakk) told the Wichita Eagle “I’m wanting to get more back to the biblical side of things — basing it on the Bible and how God wants us to take care of our kids.” This clearly goes against separation of church and state.
A vote for Melody McCray-Miller for Wichita School Board is highly recommend.
Olathe At-Large School Board Race
A candidate in this race (Jennifer Gilmore) lost by just 65 votes in 2021 when she was supported by the 1776 PAC that stoked fears of Critical Race Theory. Gilmore is also currently suing the Olathe School Board.
A vote for Will Babbit for Olathe School Board is highly recommended.
Early voting has started
Below is a graphic with early voting times and locations for Johnson County.
Use KSBallot.org to find early voting information for other counties.
Researching Candidates
Finding information on local candidates can take some work, but it is worthwhile. Below are some resources to look for:
Candidate websites and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
Endorsements from groups/organizations you value
Articles in local papers – google is your friend
Candidate surveys/questionnaires from local organizations or papers. Some examples from Johnson County:
Shawnee Mission/Blue Valley Post - subscription based, but worth it!
Candidate forums. Many can be watched on-line. Local papers or groups like League of Women Voters often put these on.
Candidate Recommendations
It is always best to do your own research. However, if you find it helpful, below are recommended candidates for Wichita & Johnson County.
Please feel free to share information you may have on preferred or concerning candidates in your area to help with research across the state of Kansas.
Wichita:
A note about the Wichita Mayoral Race: From my research and discussion with trusted sources in Wichita, Brandon Whipple and Celeste Racette are the two recommended candidates. It was difficult to find a consensus. I’d suggest starting your research with these two and narrowing it down to your preferred candidate.
Johnson County: Go to voter.jocoelection.org to see your personal sample ballot.
Below is a PDF version of the Johnson County Voter Guide, if that is easier to access or share.
Final Note on School Board Races
Please help protect our local schools from candidates who support book bans and the like by encouraging your friends to get out and vote!! This will take all of us!
Again…
In Wichita, a vote for Melody McCray-Miller in the At-Large school board race is recommended.
In Olathe, a vote for Will Babbit in the At-Large school board race is recommended.