With political candidates at the state and federal levels starting to make more and more stops in Emporia, Lyon County Clerk and Election Officer Amie Jones is encouraging candidates to apply and residents to register for the upcoming election cycle.
The candidate filing deadline isn’t until noon June 1. Jones says it’s an easy process to officially become a candidate.
Meanwhile, the last day to register for the primary election cycle is July 14. Currently registered voters who have not changed any information since the last election do not need to make any clerical adjustments, while those who have changed their names, have moved or changed their party affiliation will need to make changes. Residents can call the Election Office or go online to ksvotes.org to check status.
The primary election is Aug. 4, with in-person advance voting from July 15 to noon Aug. 3 — including the now-standard offsite voting event at the Fairgrounds Anderson Building from July 15-18. The last day to apply for a mail ballot is July 28.
On the ballot locally is Lyon County Commission District 1 held by Ken Duft, as well as township clerks, precinct committee members and — for the general election only — Reading Benefit Fire District 1. On the primary ballot at the state level, besides US Senate, US House, Kansas House, Kansas governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer, will be a constitutional amendment to change the selection method for judges from a merit-based nomination process to a public vote.
With this being a heavy election year for state-level positions and the midterm election at the federal level, Jones would like to see a heavy voter turnout — heavier than the 48 percent turnout noted for the 2022 elections.
Lyon County’s election information, including filing packets, election dates, precinct maps, election forms and archived results, is online at lyoncountyks.gov.
