By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Many races will be decided in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. As with all elections, there are a series of deadlines heading into Election Day. Barton County Election Officer Bev Schmeidler said Kansas voters have until 5 p.m. tonight (Oct. 13) to update their voter registrations or to register to vote.
“If you have moved, changed your name, anything like that where you need to re-register, Oct. 13 is the last day to register to vote or change your registration,” she said. “Oct. 14 is when we’ll send mail ballots out for all those who have applied already, or the ones who are on permanent advance, like homebound people who cannot get out and go to the polls.”
Oct. 14 also marks the first day early voting is available in the state. In Barton County, early voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the second floor of the Barton County Courthouse. The clerk’s office will also be open on Halloween from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special Saturday session. Early voting ends at noon on Monday, Nov. 2.
“We like to start the first day to give everybody as many days as possible to come in and vote early,” Schmeidler said. “We’re very hopeful we’ll be able to start that day. If you want to come on Wednesday, maybe call our office first to make sure we’re up and running before you make the trip.”
Many state and local offices will be decided in the Nov. 3 election, including governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House or Representatives, city council spots in Great Bend, Hoisington, and Ellinwood, Barton County Commission seats for three of the five districts, and various other state offices. Voters in Great Bend and Hoisington will also vote on sales tax initiatives.
The League of Women Voters of Great Bend–Barton County will host a candidate forum on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Great Bend Events Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the forum begins at 7 p.m. The event will also be livestreamed on Great Bend Post by Eagle Media.