By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The August Primary Election is still three months away, and the General Election is still six months away. While elections are still down the road quite a ways, the action to be on the ballot for those elections is dwindling.
The filing deadline is June 2, and Barton County Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said there is no time like the present to file.
"If you have been sitting on the fence and thinking someday you're going to step up and make a difference in your community, right now is that time," said Hutchinson.
While the non-presidential elections typically see a significant drop-off in voter turnout, Hutchinson felt the local results may make an even bigger impact.
"In just over four years of being a commissioner, I've realized how important local elections are," said Hutchinson. "I've realized how much local elected officials actually affect our day-to-day lives. It seems like they do probably even more than the state or federal government."
Candidates must file by 12 p.m. on June 2 with the Barton County Clerk.