A recurring theme in civics classes is emphasis on being a participant in democracy by voting, not sitting back and accepting the will of other citizens.
At the Aug. 5 primary election the importance of being involved in the electoral process again will be much in evidence.
Two races will be decided, both in Republican primaries because no candidates filed on the Democrat side.
Kent Thompson, rural LaHarpe, was appointed to the Ninth District seat in the Kansas House of Representatives after Ed Bideau’s death. He is seeking a full two-year term and is opposed by Chad VanHouden, a newcomer to elective politics from Chanute.
Unless there is an extraordinary write-in campaign, the winner will take the legislative seat.
Same is true for the First District seat on the Allen County commission.
Seeking to replace Dick Works, who decided not run after serving nearly 24 years, are Jerry Daniels, rural Humboldt, and Jim Mueller, Moran. The winner will represent Humboldt, Moran, Elsmore, Savonburg and rural areas between those towns.
The primary elections in the two races are closed, in that only Republicans may vote. Unaffiliated voters also may, but must change their registration to Republican prior to marking a ballot.
The legislative race has been spiced by contentious mailers, many sent by activists with proprietary interests. More are likely to arrive in the next few days, particularly in eleventh-hour strategy over the weekend.
Rather than depend on mailers and second-hand information, which may or may not have been authorized by the candidate and may contain statements unsupported by facts, contact the candidates personally. They will be out and about frequently in the next few days leading up to the primary election, and will be eager to answer any and all questions.
Voting is the keystone of democracy, and it is best held in place by voters making themselves aware of the candidates before they duck into the voting booth.
— Bob Johnson
Every vote counts
